GENERON IGS Awarded a Contract for Nitrogen Generator Packages On Board Drill Ships



April 27, 2005 -- The nitrogen will be used as a compensating medium in heave compensating systems. The replacement of compressed air with nitrogen for this application is relatively new in the O&G industry.

The application came into being when an accident occurred on one of the drill ships - the accumulator exploded. The explosion was caused by the reaction of Air (Oxygen) and the Hydraulic Fluid under high pressure. The investigation found under certain operating modes the compensating cylinders and associated pistons act in a manner similar to a diesel engine. In this situation the auto ignition temperature of the hydraulic fluid is reached. If Oxygen is present in the form of air, conditions exist within the compensator cylinders that enable the auto ignition of the hydraulic fluid (mist) with air (oxygen) to occur.

The accumulator is situated between the working bottles and the compensating cylinders. The explosion caused extensive damage to the drill tower and associated drilling equipment. The drill bit and drill string had to be cut off beneath the vessel, in order for it to sail back to port.

The Nitrogen System chosen for this application was a Generon Nitrogen Cabinet Series unit. The Nitrogen System is a fully enclosed generator, designed for unattended, silent automated operation and will provide uninterrupted supply of gaseous nitrogen up to 300 Nm3/h with purities from 95-99,9 Vol.% in a footprint of approx. 800 x 800 mm.

For information on Generon IGS systems, please contact us through our website; igs-global or directly @ Generon IGS, 11985 FM 529, Houston Texas 77041; Phone: 713-937-5200; Fax: 713-937-5250.





GENERON IGS Awarded a Contract for Nitrogen Generator Packages On Board Drill Ships