Enhancing Safety and Efficiency: V-TES Successfully Implements Standalone Circuits for Oil Heaters on a North Sea FPSO
Introduction
V-TES, part of the Pier Solutions Group, recently completed a critical project to enhance safety and operational efficiency on a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel in the North Sea. During the rig's design and construction phase, it was discovered that the oil heaters in six separate External Air Conditioning Units (ACUs) were powered by the nearest emergency lighting circuit—a setup that posed serious risks. Recognizing the urgency of the issue, V-TES swiftly mobilized its expertise to deliver a robust and compliant solution.
Issues Identified
The initial configuration raised several concerns, including:
Safety Hazards: The emergency lighting circuit was not designed to handle the additional electrical load, increasing the risk of circuit overloads and potential failures.
Operational Inefficiencies: Overloaded circuits could lead to disruptions in both emergency lighting and the oil heating function, impacting the vessel’s overall performance.
Regulatory Non-Compliance: The existing setup did not align with industry safety and electrical standards, necessitating immediate rectification.
Solutions Provided
To resolve the issue, V-TES implemented a systematic approach:
Site Survey and Feasibility Assessment: A skilled engineer was mobilised to conduct an in-depth assessment of the electrical system, identifying new cable routes and evaluating the feasibility of rerouting the electrical supply to dedicated standalone circuits.
Standalone Circuit Implementation: The team designed a solution that involved rerouting the electrical supply to ensure that each oil heater had its own independent circuit. Proper connections were established to the ACU control panel distribution board, eliminating reliance on the emergency lighting circuit.
Comprehensive Work Pack Development: A detailed work pack was created, incorporating:
Job cards
Destruct and construct drawings
Single-line diagrams
A full material procurement list
Specialist Installation Team Deployment: A three-man rope access electrical team was mobilised to execute the installation and commissioning of the new electrical supply, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
Successful Project Completion
The newly installed standalone circuits were successfully commissioned, guaranteeing that the oil heaters now function independently of the emergency lighting system. This enhancement not only ensures compliance with industry regulations but also significantly improves the vessel’s operational safety and efficiency.
Through this project, V-TES has once again demonstrated its commitment to delivering high-quality electrical solutions that prioritise safety, reliability, and compliance. By leveraging our expertise and dedicated workforce, we continue to support offshore operations with innovative and effective engineering solutions.