DEA redesigned the central control room on the drilling and production island of Germany’s largest oil field, Mittelplate. An IHSE KVM system now enables a highly efficient and user-friendly workflow.
North of the Elbe estuary, seven kilometers from the coast, lies the Mittelplate drilling platform in the North Sea. With an annual production volume of 1.4 million tons of oil, Mittelplate is Germany’s largest and most productive crude oil deposit. The oil field contains about 65% of the remaining economically recoverable German oil reserves. Since its development in 1987, more than 35 million tons of crude oil have been produced.
Safety is a top priority at Mittelplate: A control room for process control is located on the drilling platform. In this control room essential services including the gas warning system, fire alarm system, camera system and process control systems are monitored and operated around the clock by shift supervisors.
System computers were previously located by operator workstations. These took up valuable space and caused a considerable amount of noise and heat. In addition, the computers required regular cleaning because of the dust and dirt in the air.
The IHSE KVM solution helped making the new control room could quieter and more ergonomic. This was achieved by relocating the IT infrastructure to a separate equipment room. A fail-safe distribution and switching system from IHSE is used for computer access. All computers and process control systems as well as the operating devices (ten monitors, eight keyboard-mouse sets and loudspeakers) are connected via a Draco tera KVM matrix switch. From the workstations, the operators can access all necessary systems as if the computers were located under the wide console in the control room.
“The KVM system was installed during regular operation of Mittelplate,” said Fabian Ehlers, Electrical Engineer at DEA Holstein Production District. “Thanks to good preparation and good cooperation, the project was a great success.”
“In addition to the user-friendly environment, the system offers extensive switching options,” said Marl Hempel, Product Manager at IHSE, “Operators can instantly access all devices they need from their individual workstations – with optimum video quality.”
About IHSE
IHSE is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) solutions with more than 30 years of experience. KVM technology enables the remote switching, distribution, bidirectional extension and conversion of primary computer signals including DVI, HDMI, 4K DisplayPort, audio and USB. IHSE develops and manufactures an extensive range of KVM switches and extenders with visually lossless signal transmission from headquarters near Lake Constance, Germany.
IHSE products have been certified for outstanding manufacturing quality, security, operability, resilience and high transfer speeds. Many renowned companies and institutions across vertical segments including Broadcast, Post Production, Air Traffic Control, Control Rooms, Banking, Industrial, Corporate, Medical, Maritime, Education, Venues & Entertainment and Government rely on KVM solutions made by IHSE, Germany.
About DEA Deutsche Erdoel AG
DEA Deutsche Erdoel AG is an international operator in the field of exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas based in Hamburg. Its focus is on safe, sustainable and environmental conscious exploitation of oil and gas. DEA has 119 years of experience working along the whole upstream value-chain as operator or project partner. With a staff force of 1,150 employees DEA has shares in production facilities and concessions in, among others, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Egypt, Algeria and Mexico.
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