UPS protection for Oil & Gas platform off the South African coast

“The sensors and safety monitoring equipment need to be operational 24/7. Even if the main power supply fails, the risk of gas ignition is so great that the on board equipment needs to remain operational- every lost second increases the risk and endangers lives, says Phillip Wain, “The new UPS system gives the rig complete security, whatever nature throws at it we know the systems will be secure and keep both the rig and the personnel on board safe”.

The system is designed to operate in ambient temperatures in excess of +30C and to withstand the rigours of the Atlantic Ocean. The bespoke enclosure delivers a constantly controlled internal temperature of 20C which allows optimum performance from the Riello 20kVA batteries.

The self contained steel cabinet measuring 1200 x 1200 x 2000mm and features removable side panels, an inspection hatch and front access double doors for ease of maintenance and installation. There is an integrated Maintenance Bypass Switch allows the UPS to be decommissioned for routine servicing and maintenance without disrupting the supporting load.

Carter Sullivan installed a Source Changeover Switch which helps when the Platform returns to shore, monitoring the available power source and automatically switching the platform’s generated AC supply to the on-shore AC supply. There is also an integrated manual override allowing engineers complete control.