SKF’s cloud-based analytics will help BP maximise the use of condition monitoring data to improve plant reliability

SKF has signed a three-year, multi-million-pound contract with BP to supply condition monitoring services to its UK offshore assets. 

As well as collecting data from a range of rotating equipment – including fans, motors and generators – SKF will provide analytics, reports and recommendations to better inform BP’s decisions around efficient and effective use of equipment. 

Anecdotal evidence suggests just 1% of offshore operators use the vast volume of data they collect to aid their decision-making process. 

The contract is already capturing and documenting significant efficiency gains through close collaboration between the BP and SKF teams. 

Ian Peverill, Head of Service at SKF said: “Using accurate data to drive decision-making and avoid repeat issues is good for our clients and for the industry as a whole. Ultimately, this helps drive out waste and increases reliability.” 

“Recently, our technology was able to detect the underlying cause of bearing vibration and provide recommendations to prevent failure of a critical motor. Our data analytics software can even propose alternative solutions that would be longer-lasting and better suited to the conditions.” 

While the agreement between BP and SKF covers a defined equipment list, SKF can also supply ‘non-routine’ services to BP on demand – such as electric motor monitoring, or dynamic balancing of rotating equipment.