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Emergency Disconnects Made Safer with Future Production’s ADS Technology

By Aris Hegg
May 21, 2025

In high-stakes offshore drilling operations, split-second decisions can mean the difference between control and catastrophe. What if your rig could make one of those decisions for you—automatically?

 

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The Hidden Risk in DP-Operated Rigs

In the world of dynamically positioned (DP) drilling rigs, maintaining position over the wellhead is mission-critical. But even with the most advanced and powerful DP systems, the risk of a drift-off or drive-off event, where the rig moves unintentionally due to system failure, environmental forces, or human error, is ever-present.

 

When this happens, the marine riser can be forced off its allowable deviation from its vertical axis, placing unacceptable mechanical stress on critical riser/BOP/wellhead components. If not handled swiftly, this stress can cause serious equipment damage or, worse, a loss of well control.

 

So, what can you do to ensure that emergency protocols are triggered in time, even when the rigcrew can’t act fast enough or are unable to act, and other safety systems fail?

Read more: Redefining MPD Deployment: From 48 Hours to 15 Minutes with FP-ClickStab® Technology

 

 

 

A Smarter Failsafe: Future Production’s Automatic Disconnect System (ADS Trigger)

The Automatic Disconnect System (ADS) is a mechanical safety mechanism engineered to protect the well and riser infrastructure during unintended and uncontrolled rig movement, specifically drift-off or drive-off events on dynamically positioned (DP) rigs. When traditional response systems depend on human action or control system software (i.e. Emergency Shutdown Systems (EDS)), the ADS Trigger adds a mechanical and fully independent, automatic layer of protection.

BOP-tripper-Safe-Disconnect

 

Key Installation Point: Lower Flex Joint

The system is physically mounted onto the lower flex joint, directly above the LMRP/BOP. This is a critical stress point during riser deflection events, making it the optimal location for the ADS Trigger.

 

Pros with Implementing ADS

Independent of rig control systems

Because the ADS Trigger operates mechanically and autonomously, it remains effective even during power loss or system failure—providing a critical layer of redundancy.

 

Proven performance in harsh environments

Over the years, rigs in some of the world’s toughest drilling environments have adopted ADS Trigger technology and the technology has proven its worth on several occasions.

 

Cost-effective insurance

Compared to the financial and operational consequences of a failed emergency disconnect, the investment in an ADS Trigger is modest—and well worth it.

 

 

Meets regulatory requirements

On the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) it is now a requirement to include an independent safety mechanism to ensure (emergency) riser disconnect in events where other systems fail.

 

The ADS Trigger fulfils this requirement.


Learn more about the LMRP Safe Disconnect System here. 

 

Is Your BOP Stack Future-Ready?

As a Rig Owner or Manager, you’re tasked with ensuring your operation is both efficient and safe under pressure. With an ADS Trigger, you’re not just reacting to emergencies—you’re staying ahead of them.

 

To explore how ADS technology could be adapted to your riser/LMRP/BOP stack or to learn about recent implementations, get in touch with our engineering team.

 

Contact us for more information

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About Author
Aris Hegg

With nearly 30 years of experience within offshore drilling technology, Aris offers insights that can help optimize rig safety and performance. His engineering and sales experience contributes to understanding the specific client requirement, project infrastructure and conditions.

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