Page 16 - Offshore Electrical Engineering Manual

CHAPTER

The Offshore Electrical 1

Dimension

INTRODUCTION
Designing for provision of electrical power offshore involves practices similar to
those likely to be adopted in onshore chemical plants and oil refineries. However,
other aspects peculiar to offshore oil production platforms need to be recognised. It
is suggested that those unfamiliar with offshore installations read the brief guide in
PART 6 of this book before continuing further.
The aspects which affect electrical design include the following:

1. The space limitations imposed by the structure, which adds a three-dimensional
quality to design problems, especially with such concerns as
a. hazardous areas

b. air intakes and exhausts of prime movers

c. segregation of areas for fire protection

d. avoidance of damage to equipment due to crane operations
2. Weight limitations imposed by the structure which require

a. The careful choice of equipment and materials to save weight.

b. The avoidance of structurally damaging torques and vibrations from rotating
equipment.

c. The inherent safety hazards presented by a high steel structure surrounded
by sea. Such hazards require
i. Particular attention to electrical shock protection in watery

environments
ii. Good lighting of open decks, stairways and the sea surrounding platform

legs

iii. Protection of materials and components from the corrosive marine envi-
ronment and avoidance of stray corrosion cells due to contact between
dissimilar metals

MARINE ENVIRONMENT

Wave heights in the North Sea can exceed 20 m, with wind speeds exceeding
100 knots.

Offshore Electrical Engineering Manual. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-385499-5.00001-7 3
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