MAN ES recently received a total of three orders for seven compressor systems on three different gas production platforms. “The unmanned, remote-controlled gas platform is a great step forward for the energy industry. It not only improves employee safety and reduces OPEX and CAPEX, but minimizes the environmental impact of offshore operation,” says Basil Zweifel, Head of Sales & Project Management. “MAN ES in Zurich will provide the HOFIM^® compression technology, which employs magnetic bearings and has already demonstrated that it can operate virtually autonomously, continuously and without maintenance 300 meters below the water surface in the Åsgard field.”

In order to satisfy the requirements for remote operation, the scope of supply also includes a sophisticated digital twin solution, which has been customized for use on unmanned platforms. Monitoring in real time provides an insight into system performance, making online decisions and optimization possible. Virtual sensors make it possible to validate data measured during operation in order to improve efficiency and accuracy. “Thanks to the use of mechanical processes employing AI, the system keeps learning and adapts in order to improve performance over time,” Jörg Massopust, Head of Digital Sales & Alliances in Oberhausen, explains. “With these production and performance optimization functions, our digital twin solution exploits the full potential of compression systems and makes an unprecedented level of energy efficiency and effectiveness possible.”