Customer
Technip
Location
SD Alpha Platform, BP Shah Deniz project, Caspian
Customer Requirement
Well control contingency generator
Services
Fesibility studies, detailed design, mechanical engineering, equipment supply, project management, commissioning, genuine parts supply
BP awarded Technip the contract for engineering and procurement on the SD Alpha Platform in the Shah Deniz gas and condensate field off the coast of Azerbaijan. To comply with safety regulations, BP needed equipment to kill well production in the instance of a power disruption. Technip approached Finning for a well control contingency generator, which supplies prime power to the platform on an emergency basis if such a stoppage occur.
The challenge for Finning was to design, build, and test a customised power package solution before shipment and installation in just 28 weeks. This solution needed to meet ATEX requirements for operating in a Zone 2, T3 Gas Group IIA hazardous environment. The Finning design was based on a Cat® 3512B engine and alternator assembled into a pressurised container combustion and cooling air was ducted in from a safe area. Other special considcerations for the engine included cooling the exhaust gas to meet T3 requirements and the exhaust gas piping was routed to a safe area. Exd motors were fitted to all the cooling and ventilation fans.
Each Cat engine and ClydeUnion Pumps’ unit is installed by Finning in a purpose-designed, weatherproof enclosure fitted with sand traps to ensure high reliability in the desert atmosphere. A control panel is designed to comply with NFPA20, which is the standard for the installation of stationary pumps for fire protection. In addition each engine and pump package is fitted with a 12-hour fuel tank.
The solution has been fully operational since delivery and provides 1500Kva of power. The installation proved highly successful and Technip has since used this project as an example of best practice on how to deliver a solution punctually on a tight deadline. Technip chose Finning for the project primarily because of the company’s p ro ject-led experience in designing equipment to meet the petroleum industry’s needs. The popularity and success of Caterpillar power solutions in the Caspian region supports this. Dave Perry, oil and gas sales manager for Finning says: “This project underlines our ability to fulfil the needs of the petroleum industry. We worked closely with Technip and BP to ensure that this package met their specific project requirements.
