With an emphasis on efficiency improvements, Seadrill has chosen to extend its leasing of the SafeEx tablet-based software module for Ex inspections and registration, for use on seven units. At the same time, three new ones have also been added.
To further optimise their already quite modern fleet, Seadrill initiated a working relationship in March 2013 with SafeEx, a Danish company, whose products include software for Ex inspections that streamline procedures, improve documentation and increase safety.
Since then, Seadrill has leased the SafeEx Software for a total of 14 drilling rigs, including the seven for which the licenses were expiring and which have been renewed now for either one or three years. In addition, three new agreements were signed.
Ex inspections using the SafeEx Software are performed for Seadrill by third-party inspection firms, such as K2 Velosi for example. Previously, these inspections were conducted using pen and paper, but with the software solution from SafeEx they are now performed using a tablet containing General Arrangement (G.A.) Drawings and checklists for the unit concerned.
G.A. Drawings are interactive maps of the area concerned on the unit, where pointers show the equipment's exact position. Inspections of each individual piece of equipment are initiated by using the tablet to scan an RFID tag affixed to the equipment. This loads the related checklists, and data is registered directly. At the same time, it is possible to reposition equipment or register new equipment in the map.
"The G.A. Drawings provide extremely useful functionality. They are more efficient, simple to use and save time in comparison to the paper system previously used", says Oliver Donahue, Lead Inspector & Electrical Supervisor for K2 Velosi.
Inspectors can also take pictures with the tablet, for example of defects or non-conformities, and register them. In addition, the SafeEx Software features the significant benefit that all information is made available to onshore management instantaneously once the inspection has been performed.
According to K2 Velosi, this has both optimised the work procedures as well as improved documentation and safety, with further optimisation being expected for maintenance in future due to the system now having been implemented and become a natural part of the procedures.
"The SafeEx Software is a big improvement from the old system", emphasises Oliver Donahue.
The SafeEx Software is DNV approved and in addition to Seadrill is also used by companies such as Statoil, Petronas, TRESE/PEMEX, DONG Energy, Noble Drilling and BW Offshore.
