Offshore-Sensors

Streicher uses ATEX-certified, inductive Namur-sensors from Turck for its offshore drilling rig

The Streicher group, located in Deggendorf, Germany, is currently building its first drilling rig that can be used in water. The company has many years of experience in the development and production of rigs and platform technology. Their range of services in the rig and platform technology includes machines for deep drilling for petroleum, petroleum gas and geothermal energy, as well as horizontal drilling machines for the laying of piping without the need to dig.

Modular concept

For a long time, Streicher developed and produced only onshore-construction projects, but about two years ago, the company started to develop and construct their first offshore solution. The benefits of the Streicher construction is its modularity and the maximum weight of 11 tons per module, which ensures that the cranes on the platforms are able to lift the modules onto the platform safely. Therefore, the construction is especially suitable for updating and exchanging older systems.
Employees assemble the single modules in a hall at the Streicher premises in Deggendorf first. After those preparations, the whole construction is built on open-air ground. After function and security checks and a training course for the customer, the construction is disassembled again and finally delivered to its destination. The modular concept allows a fast installation on the platform within twelve days.

Namur-Sensors for the Ex-area

To measure the final positions of the innumerable movable elements on the oil rig reliably, Streicher uses inductive sensors from Turck. About 60 sensors are used for the new construction. The cuboid-shaped proximity switches have a higher operating distance of 20mm on steel targets and fulfill all requirements for the offshore use. The Namur-sensors are approved for the ATEX category II 2 G, Ex-Zone 1 and fulfill the SIL 2 criteria in accordance with IEC 61508. Because of their special terminal chambers, the sensors are easy to install.

Solution-orientated partner

Turck could not only prove itself because of the reliability of its products, but also as an innovative, solution-orientated partner, especially when it came to a special challenge. To meet the SIL3- requirements, it was necessary to operate two parallel SIL 2-sensors at the drilling construction to check and monitor the position. Since the space in such construction is very small, the sensors had to be installed close to each other. This usually brings complications because inductive sensors influence each other.