North Sea gas platform Sleipner A went online in 1993 for global crude oil and gas supplier StatoilHydro with an original ABB fully integrated process control and safety system based on Advant and Safeguard 3000.

After a series of planned upgrades, the platform’s total automation solutions today feature control and safety systems based on System 800xA and Safeguard 3000. Deliveries include HVAC, subsea, choke and compressor control, a utility process system, wellhead control systems, process and emergency shutdowns, fire and gas protection, event recording, instruments, remote control of platforms, and satellite link communication between on and offshore control systems. A training simulator helps speed up system introduction.

Industry	Oil, gas and petrochemicals
Customer	StatoilHydro
Country	North Sea
Solutions	Safeguard safety system with Advant control system evolution System 800xA with 800xA Simulator

It was Statoil who developed the world’s first large-scale CCS process in 1996 at the Sleipner oil and gas field in the North Sea. The gas recovered at Sleipner contains 9 percent carbon dioxide, which exceeds the market requirement of 2.5 percent. If emitted the captured carbon dioxide would have given rise to a cost of nearly $60 per ton in carbon taxes and emission quota purchases.

By stripping the carbon dioxide from the natural gas, compressing it and injecting it into a storage reservoir 1,000 meters beneath the seafloor, Statoil is able to meet the market specifications, significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and avoid a considerable cost.

About one million tons of carbon dioxide are captured and stored at Sleipner each year. A huge benefit for the environment and a pointer to how global carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced and managed in the coming years.

ABB extended automation System 800xA monitors and controls the site, using its unique integrative capability to control not only the complex carbon capture process but the entire production processes as well.