EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION
Fans for Marine and Offshore Industries Offshore oil and gas platforms incorporate a wide range of fan applications from production areas, power generation and compressor cooling. Offshore sites are built to withstand the harsh and corrosive environments in which they’re situated, and therefore components within systems must be suitable for purpose. Where hazardous gases are present, ATEX variants are required and should be specified by the system manufacturer’s maintenance manuals to advise the zone that the components should be certified to. Corrosion resistant fans that are open to the external elements should be used, special paint grades are available depending on the corrosively of the environment. This extends the life of the components and ensures the optimum performance level.
Offshore Applications Gas Turbine Enclosures Gas turbine enclosures often feature a single fan ventilation system: Enclosure ventilation is provided by a single motor-driven fan. This motor is typically 3-phase AC, high efficiency, with Class F insulation. The fan is sized to provide the airflow required to ensure that the internal air temperature around the enclosed equipment remains within acceptable limits. Sometimes, for additional ventilation or certification requirements, a dual fan ventilation system may be required. Given that the turbine contains gas, the main aim is to reduce the risk developed from a build-up of hazardous gases by effectively ventilating, ATEX cased axial fans for both supply and exhaust of these gases are often used. Compressor Cooling Enclosures There are two situations that can greatly reduce an engines life and efficiency; the use of dirty fuel and inadequate engine room ventilation and ventilation of engine components. In
short, engines that ingest cool air burn more efficiently than those that ingest warm air. Engines produce a lot of heat, that’s how they operate and how they produce power. They must be adequately cooled to provide ample
ventilation for continued operation. The warmer an engine room is, the harder it is on the components and systems housed there; heat encourages accelerated aging, higher failure rates, and greater operating expense due to the system working less efficient. In addition to this, and of importance to both builders and end users, the failure to meet engine manufacturer temperature guidelines can result in denial of warranty coverage for the engine or generator. All but the smallest engine and engine room installations will almost certainly require some form of mechanical ventilation. Centrifugal fans rated for continuous duty are the most common type of industrial fan used to fulfil this requirement. Why Is There A Need For Engine Room Ventilation? Engine room ventilation falls into two categories, those required for cooling the space, and those needed for combustion. The air used to cool the compartment improves not only the combustion efficiency, but also the longevity and efficiency of gear in this space, including engines, generators,
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