Protek Selected for Norne ESDV and Riser Protection
14 August 2006
Solent Composite Systems Ltd based on the Isle of Wight has been selected by Statoil and contractor Aker Reinertsen to supply their ProTek™ passive fire and blast system for the Norne FPSO vessel located on the mid Norway continental shelf. Recent output at Norne has reached 236,000 barrels per day and the field is expected to be in operation until at least 2015. The new ProTek™ installation was completed in October 2005.
The ProTek™ enclosures, which include ESDV and actuator protection, plus the riser hang off and end connection, meet all current requirements by Statoil for jet-fire, pool fire and blast protection. SCS supplied a ProTek™ design for a similar unit on the Norne in 2000, and after 5 years of trouble free use and virtually no maintenance, it easy to understand why Aker Reinertsen were confident to recommend ProTek™ for this second installation.
The enclosures are engineered to resist specified explosion loads, followed by jet fire, followed by pool fire in accordance with Statoil's rigorous safety regime for the Norne rig. In addition the enclosures must withstand wind and wave load acceleration movements. The high insulation properties of the ProTek™ system ensures minimum temperature rise, thus providing integrity of the equipment functioning.
On the Norne FPSO the ProTek™ enclosures are designed to fit around existing equipment and are entirely self supporting. The loads are transferred to the valve/actuator body and through to the pipeline so no additional external supports to the deck are required. SCS conducted extensive FEA modelling to demonstrate the minimalist cost effective approach to rapid fixing on site. The flexible design of the ProTek™system allows penetrations of cables and pipes, without compromise to clashes with existing equipment. The ProTek™ enclosures are designed with low weight access panels for easy equipment maintenance. In selecting ProTek™ Aker Reinertsen recognised the advantages over traditionally used soft jacket systems which tend to deteriorate over time, and thus have a higher lifetime cost than rigid enclosures.
ProTek™ is manufactured from an advanced composite panel system which is lightweight and has wide design versatility. Being virtually inert, there is zero corrosion risk and outstanding weather resistance, thus offering a maintenance free life for at least 30 years. The fire performance is certified by Lloyds and DNV and will withstand a two hour jet fire test at 0.3 kg /sec gas release. and blast tests up to 1.5 barg.
In addition to ESDV/actuator protection ProTek™ is used for:
- Fire and blast walls
- Marine fire partitions
- Underdeck/splashzone and flexible riser passive fire protection as well sub-sea structures and encapsulations
SCS expects its composite engineering expertise to be widely utilised in the growing sub-sea gas exploration market
SCS has a long and proven track record of providing engineered composite solutions to the energy industry - not only offshore oil and gas, but wind and tidal stream. SCS energy industry expertise coupled with world class quality, health and safety standards, enables it to take on major projects and take them through to timely and cost effective completion.
Solent Composite Systems is a member of the British Plastics Federation, Composites Group. SCS holds ISO 9001 and Achilles certification and is working towards ISO 14001.
The company's other main focus is in the burgeoning renewable energy sector, - both wind and tidal stream where it provides a portfolio of services in design development and manufacturing of wind turbine blade moulds and related components.
Solent Composite Systems (SCS) operates from three sites on the IOW. Early in 2004 SCS opened its new manufacturing and technology facility at Cowes Waterfront Venture Quays, which features other advanced composites companies amongst its tenants, not least Ellen Macarthur's Offshore Challenge team and Vestas Wind Power.
