BOP multiplex controls

An electronic system for communicating critical control functions from the rig floor to the BOP stack. The system incorporates two communicating controllers, one receiving a command from the rig floor and translating that command to the second controller, which verifies receipt of the command on the BOP stack, and in turn converts the electrical signal into a hydraulic function. The reason for using these systems is primarily in deepwater applications in excess of 4000 ft where response speed becomes a critical issue. The traditional methods of using hydraulics/pneumatics to transfer this signal over long distances are no longer sufficient. From four to seven thousand ft this is being carried out with an electrical signal, however beyond 7000 ft, these systems are using fiber optics to achieve sufficient response times. On some jackups, multiplex controls are used to eliminate cable runs between the control system in the hull and the cantilever based BOP stack.

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