SIRON Fire Protection installs new sprinkler system on drilling platform
Offshore is a field where quality requirements are unparalleled. Geberit excels in this field with the Geberit Mapress pressure pipe system, and more specifically with the Mapress CuNiFe product (copper-nickel-iron alloy), which is corrosion-resistant, even in seawater conditions. SIRON Fire Protection recently replaced the sprinkler system in the crew accommodation on a gas platform in the North Sea and opted to use Geberit Mapress CuNiFe. There are several reasons why this choice is perfect. CEO Antoon Buitenhuis explains them and talks about the specific working conditions.
The extreme conditions on an offshore platform place a heavy burden on the materials. Corrosion resistance of the materials used and sufficient stock are essential. An offshore drilling platform endures extreme stress 365 days a year, particularly due to the effects of seawater. Saltwater is incredibly demanding on all materials. “After more than 20 years, the limits of installation technology materials have pretty much been reached, and everything needs to be replaced,” explains Antoon Buitenhuis.
WORK TAKES PLACE ABOVE THE CEILING
The original pipes on the platform were made from stainless steel, but that material no longer meets current safety requirements. Therefore, a different material was sought. Buitenhuis:
“In principle, the fire extinguishing system pipes are filled with fresh water. This water is pumped up, and the saltwater and freshwater are separated using valves. But over the years, the freshwater becomes increasingly salinized, which is why we chose a corrosion-resistant material that can withstand saltwater. There are several options, including CuNiFe. This was an easy choice because of the material, the quality of the connections, and also because we know what to expect with Geberit. In the offshore industry, Geberit has an advantage over other suppliers because they have everything well-organized in terms of logistics. For example, the wholesaler we work with always has sufficient stock.”
Aside from this choice of material for the pipes, SIRON Fire Protection also played it safe with the sprinklers. Titanium sprinklers are installed in the system.
When a piping system is welded, mostly pipe spools are being used: sections of piping are prefabricated outside the platform and then welded together on-site. With Geberit Mapress, this is not necessary, as all kinds of bends can be installed quickly and easily on-site.
Each drilling platform is built as compactly as possible. This means, among other things, that the sleeping areas—bed space is the technical term—for the people working on the platform are optimally arranged and occupied. There is one living area for two men, who work 12 hours a day, seven days a week. During the remaining twelve hours, they must be able to sleep peacefully.
“Major maintenance on, in this case, the sprinkler system, must therefore be completed as quickly as possible, and it’s crucial that the people working on the platform are not inconvenienced. We adapt to the platform, not the other way around; that’s our unwavering principle. The people on the platform are aware of our presence, but they’re not bothered by it.”
Speed of work is essential, and a pressing system like Geberit Mapress is ideal for that
TOOLS MAKE HARDLY ANY NOISE
The tools used to press Mapress make almost no noise, which is a major advantage. Buitenhuis:
“But even then, it requires strict planning, because we have to explicitly consider the people’s sleeping hours. In practice, this means we can install pipes in one cabin and then move on to a cabin further away. The pipes are only connected when it’s convenient.”
The work is often carried out in small corners and always above the ceiling. Lightweight tools are a good choice in these situations. Geberit Mapress is a great choice.
The new sprinkler system was installed next to the old one, and only after the entire system had been pressure-tested was the old system removed.
“The system cannot be ‘offline’ for a single moment. That’s a strict requirement.”
says Buitenhuis.
On behalf of SIRON Fire Protection, two people worked on the platform according to the rotation schedule. This means a two-week on, two-week off schedule, with twelve hours of work and twelve hours of rest each day during the two-week on schedule. A total of four SIRON people worked on this project this way. Buitenhuis:
“Normally, work like this falls under major maintenance. A platform is shut down for a while to carry out all the necessary work. But in this case, the system didn’t have to be shut down, which is a major advantage for an oil company because it avoids production losses.”
“On this platform, we were fortunate that the piping system was properly planned. That’s not always the case. But in any case, these are jobs that can only be carried out by specialized installers.” They have to be extremely flexible, because only when the ceiling is open do you see how the pipes actually run. We work with only a handful of highly qualified installers who know exactly what’s expected of them and have extensive experience in this area. They also have extensive experience with Geberit Mapress, which is also important.”
was founded in 2006 by Antoon Buitenhuis. SIRON operates both onshore and offshore. Offshore, SIRON isn’t just a supplier of fire protection materials; the majority of its work focuses on testing and maintaining deluge systems. Buitenhuis:
“We also perform maintenance onshore on complex fire extinguishing systems. Our specialized staff add value with the knowledge they gain offshore.”
Ensure your deluge system remains clean, efficient, and fully operational with SIRON Deluge Services. We provide tailored solutions for both offshore and onshore fire protection needs. Reach out today for a consultation
or contact us directly at +31 53 750 3044, or use the form below.
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