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TAKING THE HAZARDS out of hazardous areas
Finning Power Systems explain how to interpret and meet changing ATEX demands in order to procure a thorough understanding of hazardous area requirements to provide power for offshore oil and gas applications
I
t is vital that customers have complete assurance that their on-site power is
not only reliable, fuel efficient and offers low cost of ownership but, most importantly, is inherently safe. This assurance of safety and compliance
can come by selecting a standard product package that is already proven in similar applications, such as Finning’s Cat HazPak series, which are fully certified for use in atmospheres classed as Zone 2, gas group IIA and temperature class T3. Pre- engineered and fully ATEX certified as standard, Cat HazPak engines can be simply attached to the equipment they are driving for ease of installation, helping customers to save both time and money. In other installations, particularly those
requiring high horse power or custom design, customers are seeking bespoke, purpose engineered solutions that can be built to comply with stringent safety and environmental requirements. Finning for example, can design, build
and test a bespoke ATEX mechanical pumping or power generation solution to meet MCS requirements for fixed and floating platforms, using the Cat 3500/3600 series of engines installed in pressurised modules to EN 60079.
SPP PUMPS One customer, SPP Pumps, a global leader in engineered pumping solutions, continues to work with Finning to provide power solutions capable of meeting rigorous, offshore hazardous area requirements. For example, SPP Pumps selected Finning
8 APRIL 2014 | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
to supply, engineer and package four hazardous area engines for offshore oil and gas platforms off the coast of Vietnam. Each of the four Cat 3508 engines
powers a firewater protection pump for use in hazardous zones. These pumps are designed and engineered by SPP Pumps to provide critical protection for both equipment and personnel in the event of a fire. Finning was selected as the preferred supplier by SPP Pumps due to its ability to provide bespoke engine solutions that meet the end customer’s exacting requirements. A spokesperson for SPP Pumps
commented, “To provide engines that are capable of powering our fire pumps in hazardous offshore applications, our supplier needs to offer us the right technical understanding and engineering expertise. “Firstly, each engine needs to meet
stringent hazardous area requirements for use in atmospheres classed as Zone 2, gas group IIA and temperature class T3. This not only ensures that we comply with regulations, but ensures that the pumps we install are totally safe for round-the- clock operation in hazardous atmospheres. “Finning packaged the 3508 engine
with a number of specifically designed features to ensure complete hazardous area compliance. These included the modification of the intake and exhaust systems with the addition of a gas cooler, designed and manufactured by Finning and Caterpillar, to ensure that the engine’s surface temperature does not exceed 200°C.
“Finning also provided a secondary start
unit, which is delivered as part of the complete engine package. This package is tested by Finning’s own technicians, rather than requiring a third party, providing SPP Pumps with the assurance that the engines are suitable for the specific hazardous zone. “Our second requirement is to use a
supplier that can react to specific customer demands and Finning has proved its capability to develop bespoke engine solutions time and again. “In this instance, there were certain
engine height restrictions, so Finning repositioned the exhaust gas cooler on to the side of the engine. The company has also developed a bespoke wiring harness to meet the end client’s precise requirements.”
SUMMARY “Finally, when we choose our suppliers, we need high quality support, delivery and spare parts infrastructures available to us at all times. Our equipment is often located in remote regions across the globe, so we need suppliers that can react quickly and provide service support when we need it. “As part of the contract, we purchased a
spare parts kit from Finning. In addition, Finning is able to provide ongoing technical support as well as routine service, preventative maintenance and emergency engine repairs, whether it’s on land or offshore and anywhere in the world.”
Finning Power Systems
www.finning.co.uk T: 01543 465 165
Above and below: with trained specialists located across the UK, Finning Power Systems can meet a wide variety of requirements, from a custom built one-off package to high volume repeat orders, to a complete turnkey power installation
Enter 202 / ELECTRICALENGINEERING
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