Hazardous Area Engine Contract Awarded

Finning Power Systems’ (Finning) bespoke engineering meets rigorous, offshore hazardous area requirements in Vietnam.

Thanks to its long-standing relationship with SPP Pumps, a global leader in engineered pumping solutions, Finning Power Systems (UK) has been selected to supply, engineer and package four hazardous area engines for offshore oil and gas platforms in the Hai Thach & Moc tinh gas fields, located off the coast of Vietnam.

Each of the four Caterpillar 3508 engines will power a firewater protection pump for use in hazardous zones. This is designed and engineered by SPP Pumps to provide critical protection for both equipment and personnel in the event of a fire.

Finning was again selected as the preferred supplier by SPP Pumps due to its ability to provide bespoke engine solutions that meet the end customer’s exacting requirements. This is enabled through Finning’s proven engineering capabilities, its technical expertise and the breadth of its engine service and support offering as Chris Blinman, mechanical engineer for the project explains:

“To provide engines that are capable of powering our fire pumps in hazardous offshore applications, our supplier needs to offer us the right technical understanding and engineering expertise. Firstly, each engine needs to meet stringent hazardous area requirements for use in atmospheres classed as Zone 2, gas group IIA and temperature class T3. This not only ensures that we comply with regulations, but ensures that the pumps we install are totally safe for round-the-clock operation in hazardous atmospheres.

“Finning has packaged the 3508 engine with a number of specifically-designed features to ensure complete hazardous area compliance. These include the modification of the intake and exhaust systems with the addition of a gas cooler, designed and manufactured by Finning and Caterpillar to ensure that the engine’s surface temperature does not exceed 200 0C.”

Finning has also provided a secondary start unit, which is delivered as part of the complete engine package. This package is tested by Finning’s own technicians, rather than requiring a third party, providing SPP Pumps with the assurance that the engines are suitable for the specific hazardous zone.