FUGRO GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL & OCEAN SCIENCES
BP exploration(Caspian Sea) Ltdstandalone onshore weather station visit report
Reporting Period: 3rd – 5thJuly 2010
Report Number: C30387/R001/R0
PO Number: R-10-BPCS-222247
Issue Date: 30th July 2010
This report is not to be used for contractual or engineering purposes
unless described as ‘Final’ in the approval box below
Hyatt T3, 5th floor
1033 Izmir Street
AZ1065
Baku, Azerbaijan
On Behalf of:
W Jardine
Client Reference: / PO: R-10-BPCS-222247
0 / Final / SJH / EM/SXR / ATG / 30thJuly 2010
Rev / Description / Prepared / Checked / Approved / Date
Fugro GEOS Ltd, Fugro House, Hithercroft Road,Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 9RB, UK
Phone: + 44 870 402 1500 Fax:+ 44 870 402 1599, E-mail:,
BP exploration (CASPIAN SEA) Ltd
STANDALONE ONSHORE WEATHER STATION Visit Report
DOCUMENT ARRANGEMENT
CONTENTS
Page
HEALTH AND SAFETY ITEMS
FUGRO ENGINEER’S ACTIONS
PLATFORM’S ACTIONS
SUMMARY
1NABRAN ONSHORE WEATHER STATION
1.1Site Overview
1.2Main Enclosure
1.3Wind Sensor
1.4Temperature and Humidity
1.5Barometric Pressure
1.6Outstanding Actions
2.LENKORAN ONSHORE WEATHER STATION
2.1Site Overview
2.2Main Enclosure
2.3Wind Sensor
2.4Temperature and Humidity
2.5Barometric Pressure
2.6Outstanding Actions
3.RECEIVE STATION BP OFFICE
3.1Site Overview
3.2Receive Station
3.3Outstanding Actions
4.RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1Nabran Onshore Weather Station
4.2Lenkoran Onshore Weather Station
4.3Receive Station BP Office
4.4Recommended In-country Spares
APPENDICES
ASENSOR SERVICE CERTIFICATES
BSYSTEM PHOTOGRAPHS
CSYSTEM DISPLAYS
DCSV OUTPUT FILE EXAMPLE
HEALTH AND SAFETY ITEMS
ITEM NUMBER / Description / CLEARED(tick) / Date
Cleared
1 / Unable to climb radar mast at Nabran due to not having safety harness
2
3
4
5
FUGRO ENGINEER’S ACTIONS
ITEM NUMBER / Description / CLEARED(tick) / Date
Cleared
1 / Troubleshoot issue with no communication of data from onshore weather stations / / 3-5/07/10
2 / General maintenance and service of onshore weather stations at Nabran and Lenkoran / / 3-5/07/10
3 / Spot checks of sensors on onshore weather station / / 3-5/07/10
4
5
PLATFORM’S ACTIONS
ItemNumber / Description / Action By / Cleared
(tick) / Date
Cleared
1 / Confirm height of pressure sensor at Nabran
2 / Regular cleaning of solar panels and enclosures at both sites
3
4
5
STATIC SENSITIVE DEVICES ARE USED IN THIS EQUIPMENT. PERSONNEL CARRYING OUT SERVICING AND/OR REPAIRS MUST BE AWARE OF HANDLING PROCEDURES FOR THESE DEVICES.
Should further guidance regarding the Standalone Onshore Weather Station equipment be required, please contact the following:
Fugro FSM Divisional ManagerAlan Dougan
Email:
Fugro FSMProject ManagerEuan Miller
Email:
Fugro GEOS EngineerSteven Hamilton
Email:
Fugro GEOS:Fugro Structural Monitoring,
A division of Fugro GEOS Ltd,
1 Queenslie Court
Summerlee Street
Queenslie
Glasgow, G33 4DB
UK
Telephone:+ [44] 141 774 8828
Fax:+ [44] 141 774 6112
Client Contact:Walter Jardine (AzSPU SSOT Team Leader)
Email:
Client Contact:Gerry Latigan (SSOT Hydrographic Surveyor)
Email:
Client Contact:John Walker (Senior Surveyor)
Email:
Client Contact:Roger Perry (Senior Surveyor)
Email:
Fugro GEOS/C30387/R001/R0
BP exploration (CASPIAN SEA) Ltd
STANDALONE ONSHORE WEATHER STATION Visit Report
SUMMARY
Two standalone onshore weather stations have been installed by Fugro Structural Monitoring to provide meteorological data to the Azeri Navy and also to Fugro GEOS forecasters located in the BP (Caspian Sea) Ltd Office in Baku. These onshore weather stations are located in Nabran to the north of Baku and a second located in Lenkoran, to the south of Baku. Data from these stations is sent back to a receiving unit in the BP Office via a GSM link so that the data can be used for weather forecasts.
Before arrival in Baku, Azerbaijan, Fugro GEOS had been informed that both onshore weather stations had stopped transmitting data. No data had been received from Nabran since January 2010 and no data from Lenkoran since the start of June 2010. The forecasters had also informed Fugro GEOS that before this it was required “force” the retrieval of data from Lenkoran for approximately 40% of the time. Fugro GEOS were also made aware of a number of observational errors within the data being reported from the onshore weather stations.
The main task of the visit was to ascertain the reason why both onshore weather stations had stopped transmitting data back to the receive station in the BP Office and if possible bring both onshore weather stations back online so that data was being received again. Also to check the data being recorded by the onshore weather stations against spot checks on the sensors on site to confirm if they were still within acceptable calibration specification and also to provide recommendations on replacement sensors or spares.
Both onshore weather stations are of a similar design. They consist of a main enclosure housing the datalogging unit, battery, solar regulator, GSM modem and pressure sensor. Adjacent to this is a solar panel, the temperature and humidity sensor and also the wind sensor, usually located on a mast above the main enclosure. The receive unit located in the BP Office is connected to the Lightning Monitoring Computer; this consists of a GSM modem and power supply inside a small junction box. The Lightning Monitoring Computer is running the Campbell Logger Net program which is used to download the data from the data logging units inside the onshore weather stations and also display the data from each site on graphical plots.
On arrival in Baku, the receive station was checked to ensure it had power and also the modem antenna was not damaged. The SIM card within the GSM modem was removed and checked to ensure it was functioning correctly. Everything at the receive unit appeared to be functioning this pointed to an issue with the weather stations themselves or possibly an issue with the mobile network between the two stations. The SIM card numbers were given to BP and they were tasked with contacting the network operator to ensure that the SIM cards were functioning.
Once on site in Nabran and Lenkoran the systems were inspected for any damage and also power was checked to ensure that enough power was being supplied to the system sensors and Datalogger. Direct communications with the datalgger was attempted; the latest data was downloaded from the unit to ensure that the program was functioning correctly. Both onshore weather stations appeared to be collecting and storing data correctly, spot checks on the data also appeared to be with acceptable limits. A slight error was identified with the pressure sensor at Nabran and it is recommended that the logger program is update or the sensor replaced to correct the error.
This highlighted an issue with the GSM network between the weather stations and the receive unit. After BP contacted Bakcell, the network provider, an issue was identified with the Lenkoran network and this was resolved. Data from Lenkoran started being received at the BP Office, once back from the Nabran site the settings for the station within the software were checked and the communications checked; this appeared to be functioning correctly. The data stored on the Datalogger unit was being transferred to the lightning monitoring computer in the BP Office, approximately 6 months worth therefore this was delaying the update of data.
Once all the historical data was transferred both systems appeared to be functioning correctly updating the displays in the BP Office every 30 minutes as expected.
On departing the BP Office, Baku, the Fugro Structural Monitoring onshore weather stations werefunctioning. Data from both stationswas being displayed and logged by the Campbell Logger Net software on the Lightning Monitoring Computer within the BP Office. The GSM link between both stations appeared to be functioning correctly and data being updated every 30 minutes. At request of the Duty Forecasters the displays for the Nabran and Lenkoran sites were modified slightly to improve display features, all historic data was backed up.
1NABRAN ONSHORE WEATHER STATION
1.1Site Overview
The Nabran onshore weather station is approximately three hours drive to the north of Baku, near the border with Russia’s Dagestan province. The standalone onshore weather station is within a navy compound attached to a radar mast. The enclosure in located at the bottom of the mast and the wind sensor is mounted on a pole at the top, approximately 20m high.
Mains power is supplied from a nearby container which is used to supplement the battery and solar panel also connected to the enclosure.
1.2Main Enclosure
The main enclosure was found in good condition, it appeared not to have been opened since the last visit. There was no mains power on arrival, this was checked and it was found that the plug had been removed in the container. The voltage was tested in the container and found to be 180VAC, once reconnected the mains power was then checked at the enclosure. The voltages of the solar panel and battery were checked and found to be with acceptable limits.
The solar panel had a slight covering of dust/sand; all connections appeared to be in good condition and tight.
The main enclosure houses the Campbell Logging Unit (s/n: E2263), this powers all the sensors and also samples the sensors. Direct communications with the Datalogger was attempted to ensure that the program was running correctly and also to download the most recent data from the system for analysis. The Datalogger was found to be functioning correctly with all data being stored locally and up to date, the Campbell unit is set to GMT time zone. The SIM card was removed from the GSM modem and tested in a mobile phone to ensure that the SIM card was still activated and able to receive incoming and make outgoing phone calls, the SIM card was found to be working satisfactorily.
Since the Datalogger unit and GSM modem appeared to be functioning correctly and storing data locally it pointed to a communication issue between the receive station and the station at Nabran. On return from Nabran the settings for the data transfer were checked to ensure that they were correct. Communications were tested with Nabran and the link appeared to be functioning correctly. Due to the amount of historic data being stored at Nabran, approximately six months worth, it was taking a long time to transmit the data from the weather station to the receive unit. The data was monitored to ensure all data was transferred, once all the data was transferred to the receiving computer the system started to up date every 30 minutes as expected.
1.3Wind Sensor
The wind sensor is an RM Young 05103-5 Wind Monitor; it is located at the top of the radar mast at an approximate height of 20m. It was not possible to climb the radar mast due to access restrictions and incorrect safety equipment. The sensor appeared to be functioning correctly and is aligned to true north. Readings of wind speed and direction appeared to be within acceptable limits, wind speed at ground level was significantly lower than the speed recorded by the sensor but this is believed to be due to shielding at ground level.
1.4Temperature and Humidity
The temperature and humidity sensor is a Rotronic MP103A Temperature & Relative Humidity probe (s/n: 60125541)it is located with in a solar radiation screen above the main enclosure. The sensor was found in good condition but the probe filter had a build up of sand/dust. The output from the temperature and humidity sensor was checked against a calibrated hand held temperature and humidity probe, readings were found to be within acceptable limits.
1.5Barometric Pressure
The barometric pressure sensor is a Vaisala CS106 it is located inside the main enclosure. The main enclosure is vented to ensure pressure equilibrium with the outside environment while offeringprotection from solar radiation and wind which may cause increases or decreases in pressure.
The reading from the pressure sensor was checked against a calibrated hand held pressure sensor. The Campbell Datalogger converts the ambient pressure into mean sea level pressure (QNH) within the logging program. An offset of 2.22hPa is added to the ambient pressure from the sensor to correct for the height of the sensor above mean sea level, 18.5m. Readings compared to the hand held sensor appeared to be approximately 3hPa different to the calculated value. It was not possible to correct for this error whilst on site due to losing all data saved on the logger when a new program is downloaded to the unit.
1.6Outstanding Actions
- Visual inspection of wind sensor
- Confirm height of pressure sensor above mean sea level
- Confirm pressure sensor is functioning correctly if not possibly replace
2.LENKORAN ONSHORE WEATHER STATION
2.1Site Overview
Lenkoran is located approximately five hours drive to the south of Baku, near the border with Iran. The standalone weather station is located on the lighthouse building within a navy compound in the centre of Lenkoran itself.
The enclosure and wind sensor are located above the main signal light at an approximate height of 25m. Access to the lighthouse building is via a main security gate to the navy compound and then via an internal staircase to the roof section.
2.2Main Enclosure
The main enclosure is located on the roof of the main signal light. Access to the enclosure is via a ladder attached to the existing structure. The enclosure was found in good condition with a slight covering of dust/sand. All attachments for the enclosure appeared to be tight and in good condition and the enclosure showed no signs of water ingress. There is no mains power cable attached to the enclosure and therefore runs solely on battery being charged by the attached solar panel.
On arrival the battery was charging, battery and solar panel voltages were checked and found to be within acceptable limits. The Campbell logger CR1000 (s/n: E2264) is located inside the main enclosure and powers all the sensors. Direct communications with the logging unit were made and the latest data and program downloaded. All data appeared to be logging correctly and up to date, and within acceptable limits.
The enclosure and solar panel were cleaned and all cabling checked to ensure that there was no damage. The GSM modem and associated antenna were checked to ensure all connections were tight.
Before mobilisation to Lenkoran, BP had contacted Bakcell to confirm that the mobile phone network was functioning correctly and there were no issues with the SIM card and mobile number. BP were informed that there was a problem with the network and the issue had been resolved. On doing this the data from Lenkoran was being received in the BP Office.
2.3Wind Sensor
The wind sensor is an RM Young 05103-5 Wind Monitor;it is located on a mast near to main enclosure at an approximate height of 25m. The wind sensor appeared to be in good condition and the propeller free moving. Wind speed was checked against a hand held anemometer and wind direction was compared to visual observations of wind direction; these were found to be within acceptable limits. The wind sensor is aligned with true north.
To the south of the wind sensor is located a mobile phone antenna, this may cause shielding of the sensor or a turbulent flow when winds are in a northerly direction.
2.4Temperature and Humidity
The temperature and humidity sensoris a Rotronic MP103A Temperature & Relative Humidity probe (s/n: 60125542). It is located just above the main enclosure attached to the unistrut mounting frame. The solar radiation screen appeared to be in good condition with a slight covering of dust but showed no signs of damage. The temperature and humidity probe was checked and the filter found to have a covering of dust but the sensor appeared to be in good condition showing no signs of corrosion.
The output from the Temperature and Humidity sensor was checked against a hand held calibrated temperature and humidity sensor. The readings were found to be within acceptable calibration limits.
2.5Barometric Pressure
The barometric pressure sensor is a Vaisala CS106 it is located inside the main enclosure. The main enclosure is vented to ensure pressure equilibrium with the outside environment while offeringprotection from solar radiation and wind which may cause increases or decreases in pressure.
The reading from the barometric pressure sensor was compared against a hand held calibrated pressure sensor. Ambient pressure is converted to mean sea level (QNH) pressure by the Campbell logging program. An offset of 2.7hPa is added to the ambient pressure to correct to mean sea level. When the offset is taken into account pressure readings were within acceptable calibration limits.
2.6Outstanding Actions
None
3.RECEIVE STATION BP OFFICE
3.1Site Overview
The main receive station is located inside the BP Exploration (Caspian Sea) Ltd Office Hyatt T3, 5th Floor with the Fugro GEOS weather forecaster. It is attached to the Lightning Monitoring Computer which has the Campbell software LoggerNet installed. The software has four displays showing wind and meteorological data from both Nabran and Lenkoran; and also a data table showing the last 48 hours of data in a spreadsheet layout.
3.2Receive Station
The receive station consists of a GSM modem (SIM number: 3372124)and antenna and also a power supply. It is connected to the lightning monitoring system via a USB to serial converter. On arrival in Baku the receive station was checked to ensure that the GSM modem had power and also the SIM card was functioning correctly. The receive station appeared to be functioning correctly with power to the GSM modem and good Bakcell mobile phone coverage inside the office.
The software on the lightning monitoring computer was checked to ensure all settings were correct. Communication tests were undertaken on both the Nabran and Lenkoran sites both of these failed. From the error logs created by the software it was able to see that the receive unit appeared to working correctly, connecting to the GSM modem and dialling the number of the standalone weather station, but was not receive any replies from the either of the standalone weather station and therefore not being able to download the meteorological data.