Client: Petrobras

Developed to replace the heavy, expensive production manifolds that were being installed in the 1990s, the MAC Manifold was a pioneer project in Brazil.

Its innovative design relied on a robotic tool, or SAC (Shared Actuator Control), to actuate all manifold chokes and gate valves during production. The SAC tool operates by moving along a track and positioning one of two 'torque tools' above the required valve and engaging with the valve-stem to turn it to the desired position. All operations are performed 'blind' from the host platform through the 3km control umbilical.

In developing the software to manage the SAC, Symmetry faced various challenges.

The MAC manifold could be installed underwater at depths of up to 1000 meters that made repairs or maintenance infeasible. The software had to be self-calibrating and perform flawlessly under various conditions.

After careful development and extensive testing, the software was implemented in February of 2001 and has been running successfully ever since.

Thanks to the success of this project, our client secured their formal qualification as a deepwater manifold supplier to Petrobras.

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