Power Distribution Unit for North Sea Decommissioning Project

JCE designed and delivered a bespoke, CE compliant power distribution unit to support the decommissioning of a North Sea facility. Built as a two piece floor mounted cubicle for safe offshore installation, the modular unit was engineered to overcome access restrictions while delivering reliable 690 V/110 Vac power to core equipment such as agitators and sea water pumps. With stainless steel frames, secure lifting provisions, and full factory testing (completed via video link), the plug-and-play system enabled safe, efficient power distribution and streamlined decommissioning operations with minimal site disruption.

On behalf of our global drilling and services client, we were asked to design, manufacture and assemble a Safe Area Power Distribution Unit to assist with the Topaz decommissioning project in northern sector of the UK North Sea.

They required a CE compliant, safe and robust system for deployment within an offshore marine environment.

There were numerous challenges associated with the project including access restrictions for the installation area which meant, unconventionally, the complete unit had to be designed and manufactured in two sections while still remaining easily interconnectable on site, after installation, to form one operational power distribution system.

Additionally, due to the on-going component related global supply chain issues experienced presently in all sectors, the PDU had to be re-designed on numerous occasions, within short notice, to suit the constant changing availability of parts. However, JCE ensured the system was delivered on time, in line with specification and within budget, adapting to the continual challenges of the project.

Due to the on-going pandemic there were health & safety issues with conducting a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) face to face.

To meet the clients request, JCE designed, manufactured and assembled a CE marked, floor mounted mild steel 2-piece cubicle, 690V/110Vac unit.

The completed system included certified Stainless Steel frames with wire slings to allow efficient lifting by on-site machinery into the restricted access space.

The Power Distribution Unit included various equipment & components including:

–    Incoming isolator cubicle
–    BusBar sections
–    Conventional motor starter for agitators
–    Soft start operation of transfer pumps and sea water pumps

JCE successfully completed a video-link based FAT and client sign off of system, ensuring no health risk was posed through close contact.

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