Alarm management
Alarm philosophy, rationalisation, performance benchmarking, and advanced alarm handling techniques.
Process Control
Gas Compression Sequence Control Upgrade
A synchronised lock-step start-up sequence between the ICSS and compressor package controls reduced abortive starts, improved diagnostics, and strengthened compressor operability.
The Challenge
Start-up needed synchronising
A major UK oil and gas operator experienced recurring issues with several centrifugal gas compressors, where start-up sequence lockups and abortive starts frequently occurred.
These issues resulted in significant production losses, increased operational complexity, and reduced equipment availability.
The existing control logic lacked full synchronisation between the Integrated Control and Safety System (ICSS) and the Unit Control Panels (UCPs), leading to misaligned sequencing, inconsistent interlock handling, and limited operator diagnostic capability.
ICSS was engaged to design, implement, and commission new compressor start-up sequences to improve operability, reduce abortive starts, and minimise production downtime.
Our Scope
Lock-step control, clearly proven
ICSS provided full engineering and commissioning support, acting as both the Control & Instrumentation (C&I) design authority and the offshore commissioning authority.
Our engineers redeveloped the start-up and shutdown sequences for four gas compressor trains, implementing a fully synchronised, lock-step control approach between the ICSS and UCP.
We oversaw the system supplier throughout delivery, including document review and approval, participation in design reviews, and Factory Acceptance Testing to ensure the revised logic was correctly specified, tested, and ready for site execution.
ICSS also developed the commissioning strategy and procedures needed to define safe work boundaries, minimise operational impact, and reduce production downtime. During execution, our team verified the logic, managed testing, supported operations, and controlled the handover to live operation.
The Result
Fewer aborts, clearer diagnostics
The project delivered a robust and fully synchronised start-up control system that significantly improved the reliability, safety, and efficiency of compressor operations.
By addressing long-standing control logic issues and strengthening integration between the ICSS and UCP, the operator achieved greater system stability, improved fault transparency, and reduced production losses.
The upgraded operator interface and enhanced diagnostic capability allowed faster identification and resolution of start-up issues, giving operators clearer visibility of faults associated with field equipment.
Efficient commissioning planning and coordinated offshore execution minimised production downtime and established a stronger benchmark for compressor operability across the asset.
Process Control
Unlocking potential. Turning stability into value.
Our solutions are targeted, measurable, and impactful. Whether we are working on routine optimisation or resolving chronic control issues, we deliver tangible improvements to stability, operability, and bottom-line performance.
Tuning and optimisation
Control strategies, loop tuning, debottlenecking, stabilisation, and emission improvement programmes.
Start Here
Need help with process control performance or optimisation?
Tell us what you are trying to stabilise, tune, or optimise across greenfield projects, brownfield upgrades, or late-life assets. We will help shape the scope, de-risk the decision, and define a practical route to measurable performance improvement.