Valve Remote Control Systems (VRCS) | MOWE Products/Marine
HYDRAULIC AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS
Valve Remote Control System –
FPSO & FSO
Brazilian Project & NR-13 Requirements
Professional. Safe. Engineered for Marine & Offshore.
Hydraulic Valve Remote Control System (VRCS) for Cargo and Ballast Valve operation on FPSO, FSO, FPU and offshore vessels, providing centralized hydraulic valve control, actuation, monitoring and position feedback for demanding marine and offshore applications.
MOWE Hydraulic
Valve Remote Control System
Cargo Ballast Valve Remote Control System
Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) units represent complex offshore assets where reliable control of cargo, ballast and process valves is essential for safe and efficient operation.
A Hydraulic Valve Remote Control System (VRCS) provides centralized control, hydraulic actuation, valve position monitoring and feedback for remotely operated valves installed throughout the vessel.
For FPSO and FSO applications, the system can be configured around cargo handling, ballast, bilge, tank isolation, inert gas and other marine valve-control functions according to the vessel design and project requirements.
Hydraulic actuation provides high force and torque density and can be configured with accumulators or spring-return arrangements where a defined fail-safe function is required by the project safety philosophy.
MOWE is a focused Offshore FPSO, FSO, FPU and offshore vessel Valve Remote Control System integrator and manufacturer. With over 20 years of experience working on hydraulic valve remote control systems across multiple projects in the Asia Pacific and international offshore markets, MOWE has developed experience in designing systems to meet different vessel layouts, operating environments and project requirements.
MOWE's project experience includes FPSO and FSO applications involving hydraulic power generation, valve actuation, hydraulic distribution, control panels, valve position feedback and system integration.
For Brazilian FPSO and FSO projects, VRCS engineering can be developed around applicable Brazilian regulatory requirements, vessel specifications, pressure-equipment requirements, hazardous-area classification, CLASS requirements and project documentation.
Where hydraulic equipment forms part of a pressure-equipment system, the applicable Brazilian requirements can be considered during equipment selection, documentation, inspection, testing and maintenance planning.
Over the past 20 years, MOWE has delivered systems for more than 20 FPSO projects, gaining experience in the design and integration of valve control systems for different climates, vessel configurations and operating demands.
MOWE project experience extends from Malaysia to Nigeria, Angola to Brazil, supporting FPSO and FSO projects that continue to operate with MOWE systems.
Selected large-scale FPSO and FSO deliveries include FSO Berganding, FSO Sao Vang, FSO Benchamas, FPSO Agogo, FPSO Anna Nery and many others.
MOWE Marine & Offshore continues to develop project-specific Valve Remote Control Systems around vessel layout, valve requirements, hydraulic pressure, hazardous-area requirements, cleanliness standards, CLASS requirements and long-term offshore operation.
- • CNOOC FPSO Panyu China
- • CNOOC FPSO Cao Fei Dian China
- • MODEC FPSO – Nina Singapore
- • Exxo South Angsi FSO – Deck Machinery & HPU
- • Abu Cluster FSO - Talisman
- • Orkid FSO - Talisman
- • SBM Kikeh - Single Bouy Marine
- • Ruby Princess FPSO - Petrofac
- • Cendor 2 FPSO - Petrofac
- • BP FPSO Angola - MODEC
Our experience covers installation of tubes and pipes, pressure testing, equipment supply and complete Valve Remote Control System integration. Systems can be prepared and commissioned according to specified cleanliness requirements, CLASS requirements and project technical specifications.
MOWE supports marine and offshore valve control requirements from hydraulic power generation and distribution through to actuator operation, valve position feedback, control panels, hydraulic tubing and system integration.
For Brazilian FPSO and FSO applications, engineering can incorporate project-specific requirements covering pressure-rated hydraulic equipment, documentation, inspection, testing, hazardous areas, instrumentation and vessel automation interfaces.
Other vessel types include RoRo vessels, Offshore Support Vessels, Platforms, Jackup Rigs, Windmill Installation Vessels, Containers, Product and Chemical Tankers and many others.
Hydraulic VRCS Core Components
A marine offshore-grade hydraulic Valve Remote Control System is divided into functional layers covering hydraulic power generation, hydraulic distribution, valve actuation, control and feedback. Each layer is engineered to work together as an integrated valve control system.
Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU)
The Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) is the primary hydraulic power source of the Valve Remote Control System. It typically incorporates hydraulic pumps, reservoir, filtration, pressure control equipment and accumulator arrangements according to the system design.
The accumulator bank can store hydraulic energy for defined safety operating cycles when required by the project safety philosophy and system design.
The HPU interfaces with the vessel automation and control systems, supporting local and remote commands together with valve position feedback.
HPU configurations can incorporate HMI, filtration, hydraulic oil coolers, motor heaters and other project-specific requirements.
For Brazilian projects, pressure-containing HPU components and associated equipment can be selected and documented according to the applicable project requirements and Brazilian regulatory requirements where applicable.
Valve Control Panels / SVC & Deck Boxes
Valve Control Panels, Solenoid Valve Cabinets (SVC) and Deck Boxes are strategically located in suitable areas of the vessel and can be configured for hazardous-area applications where required.
These enclosures can house hydraulic manifold blocks, directional solenoid valves, pressure switches and manual override hand-pumps.
They provide the interface between electronic control commands and physical hydraulic fluid routing to the valve actuator.
Electrical components can be selected with suitable hazardous-area protection and certification according to the project classification and applicable requirements.
MOWE Hydraulic Actuators
MOWE Hydraulic Actuators are mounted directly to valve stems and translate hydraulic pressure into mechanical valve movement.
- Quarter-Turn Actuators – Suitable for selected butterfly, ball and plug valve applications.
- Rack-and-Pinion Actuators – For suitable rotary valve applications.
- Linear Actuators – Hydraulic cylinders for suitable gate and globe valve applications.
- Double-Acting – Hydraulic pressure is used for both opening and closing.
- Single-Acting Spring Return – Mechanical spring action provides the defined fail position when specified.
Actuator construction, materials, pressure rating and testing are selected according to valve torque, operating conditions and project requirements.
Control & Feedback Layer
The control and feedback layer integrates valve position indicators, limit switches and continuous position transmitters with the vessel Distributed Control System (DCS), Integrated Control and Safety System (ICSS) or other applicable control architecture.
Position feedback provides the control system with the operating status of remotely controlled valves and supports centralized monitoring from the vessel control system.
Electrical equipment intended for hazardous areas can be selected with appropriate protection and certification according to project requirements.
MOWE works with major PLC and processor manufacturers to deliver offshore and marine control systems according to project requirements.
Hydraulic Valve Control Products
As a manufacturer and system integrator, MOWE manufactures and integrates key components used in hydraulic Valve Remote Control Systems for marine and offshore applications.
Valve Remote Control System
Full hydraulic valve control systems for FPSO, FSO, FPU and offshore vessels.
Hydraulic Control Actuators
Hydraulic actuators for quarter-turn and linear valve applications.
Volume Counters
Hydraulic volume counters for valve position indication and monitoring.
Hydraulic Manifolds
Various manifold designs for hydraulic valve control applications.
Throttle & Needle Valves
Hydraulic flow control components for system regulation.
Control Blocks
Hydraulic control blocks for fluid routing and actuator operation.
Deck Boxes
Deck box designs for safe-area and hazardous-area applications.
Material Options
Materials can include brass, bronze, aluminium, steel and stainless steel, with selection based on application and project requirements.
How the Hydraulic VRCS Works
Hydraulic Power
The HPU generates, filters and stores hydraulic power required for remote valve operation.
Control Command
Local or remote commands are transmitted through the vessel control and automation system.
Hydraulic Routing
Solenoid valves and hydraulic manifolds route hydraulic fluid to the selected actuator.
Valve Movement
The hydraulic actuator converts hydraulic pressure into mechanical valve movement.
Position Feedback
Valve position feedback is returned to the control and monitoring system.
FPSO & FSO Cargo & Ballast Valve Control
Cargo Handling & Offloading
Hydraulic remote control of cargo suction and discharge valves can support controlled transfer of crude oil and other cargo fluids during production and offloading operations.
Ballast & Bilge Control
Remote operation of marine valves can support ballast and bilge functions associated with vessel stability, tank management and operational control.
Inert Gas & Venting
Remote control of cargo tank isolation and venting valves can support inert gas and cargo tank ventilation arrangements on FPSO and FSO vessels.
FPSO, FSO & FPU Systems
Hydraulic VRCS solutions can be configured for FPSO, FSO, FPU and other offshore vessels where centralized remote valve operation and monitoring are required.
Hydraulic VRCS Design & Engineering
Designing an FPSO or FSO hydraulic Valve Remote Control System requires consideration of hydraulic dynamics, valve torque, operating environment, hazardous-area classification, redundancy, cleanliness, pressure equipment and vessel control requirements.
Operating Pressure
Hydraulic systems can be designed around medium- or high-pressure operating ranges according to actuator torque, valve requirements, system architecture and project specifications.
Hydraulic Fluid
Hydraulic fluid selection should consider viscosity, temperature, material compatibility, fire resistance requirements and equipment manufacturer recommendations.
Operating Temperature
System design can consider the specified ambient and hydraulic-fluid temperature range for the vessel operating environment.
Hazardous Area Compliance
Electrical components such as solenoids, junction boxes and sensors installed in hazardous areas require suitable explosion protection and certification according to the project classification.
Redundant HPU
Critical HPU systems can incorporate redundant pumps and electrical drives to improve system availability according to the project philosophy.
Solenoid Control
Solenoid arrangements can be configured according to the required control and safety philosophy and the selected hydraulic architecture.
Valve Position Feedback
Valve position can be monitored using limit switches or continuous position transmitters according to the control philosophy.
CLASS & Project Requirements
System architecture, components, materials, testing and documentation can be configured around vessel specifications, CLASS requirements, hazardous-area requirements and customer technical specifications.
Hydraulic Cleanliness
Hydraulic systems require controlled flushing and cleanliness verification before initial startup. Project-specific cleanliness requirements can be incorporated into flushing, inspection and commissioning procedures.
Brazilian Project Engineering & NR-13 Considerations
For FPSO and FSO projects associated with Brazilian operations, engineering and documentation can be developed with consideration of applicable Brazilian regulatory requirements, vessel requirements, pressure-equipment requirements and project-specific technical specifications.
NR-13 Scope
Brazilian NR-13 establishes minimum requirements for the structural integrity management of boilers, pressure vessels, their connecting piping and metallic storage tanks, covering aspects related to installation, inspection, operation and maintenance.
Pressure Equipment Assessment
Where a VRCS installation incorporates pressure vessels, accumulators or applicable pressure-containing equipment, the equipment should be reviewed against the applicable regulatory scope and project requirements.
Pressure Vessel Classification
NR-13 includes criteria for determining pressure-vessel applicability and risk grouping using parameters including maximum operating pressure, internal volume and fluid classification.
Safety Devices
Applicable pressure vessels under NR-13 have requirements concerning safety devices, including protection against excessive pressure and indication of operating pressure, subject to the applicable equipment and construction-code requirements.
Inspection & Integrity
Pressure equipment within the applicable NR-13 scope requires appropriate integrity management, inspection, operation and maintenance arrangements.
Technical Documentation
Project documentation can include equipment specifications, design information, pressure ratings, material documentation, inspection records, testing records and applicable certificates according to project and regulatory requirements.
Hydraulic Accumulator Systems
Hydraulic accumulators used as stored-energy sources within a VRCS should be evaluated according to their pressure rating, volume, fluid service, installation arrangement and applicable regulatory requirements.
Pressure Testing
Pressure testing and inspection activities can be incorporated into the project Inspection and Test Plan, equipment documentation and commissioning requirements according to the applicable design code, manufacturer requirements and regulatory requirements.
Traceability
Equipment identification, pressure ratings, material certificates, inspection records and test documentation can be maintained to support project traceability and equipment integrity requirements.
Important: NR-13 applies to defined categories of pressure equipment and associated piping/tanks; it should not be interpreted as a blanket certification of the complete Valve Remote Control System. The applicable scope must be established for the specific equipment and project.
For petroleum platforms operating in Brazilian jurisdictional waters, Brazilian NR-37 also establishes minimum requirements for safety, health and working conditions aboard petroleum platforms. Therefore, FPSO/FSO project compliance should be evaluated across the applicable regulatory, maritime, classification and project requirements.
VRCS Engineering for Brazilian FPSO & FSO Projects
Project Requirement Review
Review vessel specifications, valve schedules, hydraulic requirements, CLASS requirements, hazardous-area classification and applicable Brazilian regulatory requirements.
Equipment Assessment
Assess valves, actuators, HPU, accumulators, manifolds, tubing, instrumentation and control equipment according to the system design.
Engineering & Integration
Develop hydraulic circuits, equipment arrangements, control interfaces, valve feedback and system documentation.
Inspection & Testing
Perform applicable pressure, functional, electrical, hydraulic and system testing according to the approved project requirements.
Commissioning
Support installation, flushing, functional checks, valve stroking, feedback verification and commissioning activities.
Advantages & Considerations
High Power Density
Hydraulic systems provide high force and torque output from compact actuator packages, making them suitable for large marine valves and high breakaway torque requirements.
Failsafe Capability
Accumulators or spring-return mechanisms can provide stored energy for defined failsafe valve functions according to the system safety philosophy.
Reliable Offshore Operation
Hydraulic actuation can provide controlled valve movement for demanding marine and offshore operating environments.
Environmentally Sealed
Closed hydraulic circuits can protect internal mechanical components from moisture, salt spray and harsh offshore environmental conditions.
Hydraulic Fluid Management
Hydraulic systems require proper tubing, fittings, maintenance, filtration and oil monitoring to minimize potential fluid leakage and associated environmental or deck safety concerns.
Flushing & Cleanliness
Hydraulic systems require controlled commissioning and flushing to achieve the specified hydraulic cleanliness level before operation.
Centralized vs. Decentralized Electro-Hydraulic Layouts
Modern FPSO and FSO engineering can use different hydraulic architectures depending on vessel layout, valve quantity, available space, installation requirements and project philosophy.
Centralized Architecture
A centralized HPU located in a suitable utility area feeds hydraulic fluid through distribution lines to individual valve actuators across the vessel.
- Centralized hydraulic power generation
- Hydraulic distribution throughout the vessel
- Suitable for large numbers of remotely controlled valves
- Centralized maintenance and hydraulic power management
- Requires careful piping design, installation, flushing and leak control
Decentralized Electro-Hydraulic Actuators
A decentralized Electro-Hydraulic Actuator arrangement incorporates a self-contained hydraulic power source directly with the actuator or valve assembly.
- Local hydraulic power at individual valves
- Reduced hydraulic distribution piping
- Electrical power and digital communication connections
- Can reduce hydraulic tubing requirements for selected layouts
- Digital communication can be considered according to system design
Hydraulic Valve Remote Control System Applications
*Illustrates MOWE Hydraulic Valve Remote Control System applications for FPSO and FSO projects.
Professional FPSO & FSO Valve Control Engineering
MOWE Marine & Offshore provides hydraulic Valve Remote Control System engineering, manufacturing, integration, installation, testing and commissioning support for marine and offshore applications.
Our experience covers hydraulic power units, accumulator systems, valve control panels, solenoid valve cabinets, deck boxes, hydraulic actuators, manifolds, hydraulic tubing, control and feedback systems and vessel automation interfaces.
For Brazilian FPSO and FSO projects, MOWE can develop project-specific VRCS solutions around vessel layout, valve requirements, hydraulic pressure, hazardous-area classification, applicable pressure-equipment requirements, CLASS requirements and customer technical specifications.
Where NR-13 is applicable to specific pressure equipment or associated piping within the project scope, the relevant equipment can be identified and addressed through applicable engineering, documentation, inspection, testing and maintenance requirements.
This approach supports the development of professionally engineered Valve Remote Control Systems for demanding FPSO, FSO and offshore applications.