Solutions
Rig Modernization
Rig modernization is the structured replacement or re-engineering of ageing electrical, control and safety systems while retaining equipment that remains technically and commercially viable. SMEC can start with one obsolete subsystem or build a wider modernization programme around the rig's next campaign.
Bring the Rig Back—With Its Critical Systems Working Together.
A rig reactivation is a systems-engineering exercise. Drilling power, drives, consoles, machinery, jacking controls and safety-related interfaces must be assessed as connected parts of the operation. SMEC supports electrical restoration, drilling-control integration and equipment modernisation for offshore and onshore drilling assets.
Scope may include SCR/VFD systems, DMS3000, integrated driller consoles, BOP interfaces, jacking/RPD, Gas Watch, PAGA, repair, retrofit and recommissioning.
Typical scope
- Installed-base and obsolescence assessment
- SCR/VFD/PLC/HMI replacement
- DMS and drilling-control upgrades
- Jacking/RPD/load monitoring
- BOP, PAGA, Gas Watch and CCTV interfaces
- Power distribution, UPS/DC and panels
- Documentation recovery and staged cutover
Execution sequence
Survey/document review → criticality and obsolescence map → keep/repair/replace decision → engineering → procurement/build → software/configuration → FAT → mobilization → installation → SAT/commissioning.
Rig Power & Drives
Scope can include SCR/DC drives, VFD/AC drives, Generator PMS and related interfaces. Equipment selection, engineering responsibilities and testing are defined against the project specification.
- SCR/DC drives
- VFD/AC drives
- Generator PMS
- Switchgear
- Harmonic filters
- Distribution skids
- Hybrid SCR modernisation and harmonic mitigation
Drilling Controls
Scope can include DMS3000, Integrated driller consoles, Top drive and related interfaces. Equipment selection, engineering responsibilities and testing are defined against the project specification.
- DMS3000
- Integrated driller consoles
- Top drive
- Mud pumps
- BOP interfaces
Jacking & Handling
Scope can include Jacking and RPD, Gearbox/brake monitoring, Fingerboard and related interfaces. Equipment selection, engineering responsibilities and testing are defined against the project specification.
- Jacking and RPD
- Gearbox/brake monitoring
- Fingerboard
- Pipe handling
- Skidding current
- Fingerboard and pipe-handling equipment
Safety & Monitoring
Scope can include Gas Watch, Mud gas, PAGA and related interfaces. Equipment selection, engineering responsibilities and testing are defined against the project specification.
- Gas Watch
- Mud gas
- PAGA
- Talkback
- ESD/F&G
- Ex CCTV interfaces
Reactivation & Testing
Scope can include Legacy assessment, Drive and control retrofits, FAT and related interfaces. Equipment selection, engineering responsibilities and testing are defined against the project specification.
- Legacy assessment
- Drive and control retrofits
- FAT
- SAT
- Commissioning
Applications & Systems
Select a related system to open its dedicated product or system page.
Project Evidence
Drilling Rig — SCR/VFD and Driller Console Modernisation
A drilling asset required coordinated improvements to its power conversion and operator-control systems. The project story examines SCR/VFD interfaces, drilling equipment commands, alarms and recommissioning.
Engineering Approach — A rig is an interconnected operating system
Rig reactivation begins with the condition and compatibility of drilling power, drives, consoles, machinery controls, safety interfaces and communications. Repairing one drive or replacing one PLC does not resolve faults caused by missing interlocks, incompatible commands or unreliable power distribution.
An engineering review can identify what is reusable, what requires refurbishment and which systems need modernisation. Integrated testing then checks drilling-machine commands, alarms, protective responses and equipment interfaces before the rig returns to operation under its approved procedures.
Common questions
Can the existing field wiring and I/O be retained?
That depends on survey findings, I/O condition, compatibility, safety requirements and the cutover strategy. Retention should be an engineering decision, not an assumption.
Can modernization be phased around operations?
Where the architecture permits, migration can be planned in stages around shutdown, turnaround or campaign constraints. The final method depends on interfaces and operational risk.
What should be provided for assessment?
Share the existing control architecture, hardware/software versions, I/O count, drawings, backups where available, known faults, obsolescence concerns and the available shutdown window.
Can a rig be modernised in stages?
Potentially. Drives, control systems, monitoring and other packages can be assessed individually, with interdependencies and operating constraints addressed.
Does the scope include SCR/VFD and drilling controls?
Relevant systems include drilling power and drives, consoles, DMS, BOP interfaces, jacking/RPD, gas monitoring and PAGA.
What is needed for an initial rig assessment?
Rig specification, equipment register, OEM/model list, electrical drawings, control architecture, condition reports and reactivation schedule.
Related pages
Send the requirement
Send the rig equipment list, existing OEMs, drawings and target campaign date. Recommended RFQ inputs: project/asset, existing OEM/model, scope, drawings or specification, required date, site location, and any shutdown/mobilization constraint.