V-LIFE Protects North Sea Subsea Production Control System
February 2, 2021
When a North Sea operator faced a threat to the continued production of their Subsea Production Control System, Viper Innovations deployed intelligence installed through V-LIFE. Within the first six hours, insulation resistance increased twentyfold, safeguarding operations and delivering a proactive, value-added solution.
The Challenge – Protecting Subsea Production Control System Integrity
Since 2016, Viper Innovations has supported the operator in managing the integrity of their Subsea Production Control System. During routine Asset Condition Assessments, it was identified that insulation resistance was degrading—a potential risk to continued production.
Subsea electrical failures are often caused by water ingress into cable insulation, leading to short circuits, power loss, and even permanent system damage. Traditionally, resolving these issues required costly subsea fault-finding interventions or replacement of cables and equipment. The operator needed a solution that would protect production quickly, safely, and cost-effectively—without the need for disruptive subsea work.
The Viper Solution – V-LIFE for Insulation Resistance Recovery
Viper deployed V-LIFE, leveraging intelligence installed to recover insulation integrity remotely. Key actions included:
- Installation of a V-LIM line insulation monitor onshore into a spare subsea controller by Aker Solutions.
- Mobilization of a Viper Field Service Engineer to the operator’s FPSO (Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading) to activate the V-LIFE system.
- Application of a low-voltage passivation signal, which generated an electrically insulating precipitate at the water ingress points, restoring circuit insulation resistance.
The installation was fully topside and completed within a few offshore shifts. Within six hours, insulation resistance increased twentyfold, and after four weeks, levels continued to improve—effectively neutralizing the threat to production.
Results & Benefits – Safeguarding Offshore Production
- Rapid mitigation of a production risk without any subsea intervention.
- Insulation resistance improved twentyfold within six hours and continues to rise.
- A value-added, proactive solution that reduces the need for costly future interventions.Enhanced asset monitoring and decision-making through the V-ASSURE portal.
Intelligence installed in Action
By combining V-LIFE technology with Viper’s expertise, the operator turned a potential production threat into a controlled, manageable situation. Operations remain secure, system integrity continues to improve, and the operator can make confident, data-driven decisions—all demonstrating the power of intelligence installed in action.