HYDROFOIL LOADING PLATFORM CONNECTING TO OIL DRILLING RIG.

This application was a loading gangway on a hydrofoil used to service oil rig platforms in the Timor Sea oil fields. When the captain approached the oil rig the loading gangway was automatically driven from its rest position above the cabin to its operating position protruding from the bow of the boat. When the captain was close to the oil rig the loading gangway was driven up or down in response to the trough in the wave so as to maintain a constant height in relation to the loading platform on the oil rig. When the loading gangway was level with the loading platform an electromagnet was used to couple the loading gangway to the loading platform on the oil rig. Wonderware Intouch Scada was used as a simulator to develop and test this PLC program without the need to be onboard the Hydrofoil to commission the system. Feedback from accelerometers was fed back to the PLC to provide control for positioning.