Data Radios for Black Sea offshore platforms

The system uses PDR121 data radios to communicate between the platforms and an onshore SCADA Control Centre located at Akcakoca.

Secure and reliable data transmission is crucial for oil and gas applications. Also, because of the poor weather conditions and interference over the Black Sea, data communication using digital technology instead of analogue were deemed critical. The Radius PDR series data radios are based on digital RF technology which not only gives secure data transmission but also incorporates a host of additional features, such as encryption and multiple-repeater capability.

In order to reduce the unlikely risk of communications failure and because of the importance of the data, a duplicated radio system was supplied throughout. The HSC100 Hot Standby Controller continuously monitors the data and in the event of a failure instantaneously switches to the standby radio. If required for maintenance purposes, the radios can also be manually switched from main to standby as well.

The SCADA system operates the Profibus DP protocol and even though the platforms were up to 20km offshore, the over air data rate over a standard 25kHz UHF radio channel achieved was 19,200bps. The PDR121 radios used have an output power of 2 watts (33dBm) and this, combined with the unique forward error correction system and extremely good receiver sensitivity ensured that 100% data was achieved. A higher power 10 Watt version is also available.

The lower power output also enable the radio system to be powered by batteries charged by solar cells.

The PDR121’s were chosen because they are easily adapted to future changes and expansion of the network and additional platforms can be added without major changes to the system. The PDR121 includes a multi-repeat function and every outstation can also act as a repeater, giving the possibility of very long range communications in the most difficult conditions.

“Highly qualified and trained ASER-RADIUS, technical staff installed the RADIUS PDR series digital data Radio links between our Akcakoca SCADA Center and offshore platforms. We benefit from secure, digital, future upgradable, low powered and high speed data communication with the comfort of hot standby for a limited budget,“ says SAVAS SAYDERE – TPAO Electrical Engineer.

Contact Information:
James Highton
Sales Manager
Tel: +44 (0)161 484 2600
Email: james.highton@radius.net
www.radius.net