ATEX Zone 1, Ex de Power Distribution System for Long-term Plug and Abandonment (P&A) Project

JCE designed and delivered a compact, plug-and-play power distribution system to provide safe, reliable energy for a North Sea plug-and-abandonment project. Built with ATEX/IECEx certified components in a modular, marine grade enclosure, the system supplied essential equipment including compressors, extraction units, cement packages and lighting. Engineered for rapid deployment in hazardous environments, the solution enhances operational safety, ensures compliant power delivery in restricted spaces and supports efficient P&A activities with a robust, purpose built distribution platform.

With the continuous change to the UK North Sea oil market and drive for the reduction and  decommissioning of assets, our client, a market leading drilling contractor, requested our assistance in the design & manufacture of a Zone 1 Ex de Power Distribution Unit (PDU) for installation on their Modular Drilling Rig for Plug and Abandonment (P&A) works on the Cormorant Field.

Various challenges were faced during the construction of the system that JCE’s in-house design and engineering team had to overcome, by applying their high-level of expertise and experience.

A significant challenge included the necessity of large power items, which had to be housed in limited sizes of enclosures due to the ATEX / IECEx compliant Zone 1 hazardous area requirement, including field termination of large cables, in a predetermined footprint by the client to meet on-board requirements.

The overall PDU required JCE to adopt their teams full range of capabilities which was inclusive of not only their globally renowned panel building capability but also their vast array of knowledge & skills of installation practices for interconnection between enclosures to maintain functionality of the system as a single operating unit. This included the assembly and installation of large cables, glands and flexible conduits in a restricted environment.

Our scope included the design, manufacture and assembly of an ATEX / IECEx floor mounted 440/110V Power Distribution Board consiting of JCE’s own manufactured high marine grade aluminium (LM25) enclosures with stainless steel field termination enclosures (Ex e Junction Boxes), all assembled on a robust and high specification stainless steel stand alone floor mounted frame with wire slings to allow efficient lifting by asset plant and machinery.

The finished package provided distribution for:

• Compressors
• Extraction systems
• Cement packages
• Air dryers
• 110Vac for lighting (via its incorporated large transformer system)

Along with the completed unit JCE supplied their full and detailed documentation package including all certification, declaration of conformity, bill of materials and detailed drawing packs.