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,

compressors, and electrical and electronic components, this also makes it a more comfortable place to work for ship employees. Additionally, heat takes a toll on other components such as generator couplings, belts, motor mounts, as well as batteries. Whenever possible, it’s always preferable to locate batteries, particularly the house bank, outside engine compartments. This is an area that needs to be considered when on board as 24V DC power supplies and ATEX requirements in some instances will influence the choice of industrial fan suitable. Depending on the engine room size and space available for ducts, mechanical ventilation frequently is required to achieve engine manufacturer requirements. Mechanical ventilation should include both inlet, known as supply air, and exhaust air. In the ideal installation, supply air will be ducted into the engine room low, near the interior floors, and away from heat sources, while exhaust air will be drawn from the top of the space, directly over heat producers such as engines. Duct designs should, however, avoid blowing inlet air directly onto engines in that this causes cool air to rapidly heat and be dispersed around the compartment. In many occurrences, high inlet and high exhaust ventilation arrangement is among the least efficient. One ideal set up is to position high capacity axial fans, to insert both combustion air and cooling air alongside smaller exhaust fans which can be used to pull cooling air only. As an engine room heats up, the exhaust fans duty increases and the resulting depression ramps up the intake fans. Many boats were built previously without adequate engine room ventilation but this should be considered of paramount importance in vessel design and build.

Production Platforms Power generation on offshore platforms has substantial ventilation requirements. It’s often common for an offshore platform to produce its own energy, therefore, providing combustion air for fans within engine room ventilation systems that have been designed and built to remove radiated and convective heat is required. Axial fans such as the ANDB are suitable for use within engine room ventilation. Offshore and Marine Grade Surface Finish Industrial fans with special paint grades, coatings or hot dip galvanised processes are often specified in corrosive environments to ensure longevity of the product in use. Offshore and marine environments are classified according to their grade of environmental corrosivity which affects the components used in those environments. Moisture, oxygen, temperature, air pollution and marine atmospheres containing chlorides and dirt etc. affect the rate of corrosion of steel. Corrosion and the degeneration of stainless steel structures such as industrial fans can be limited through correct material selection, organic coating paint, good surface preparation and careful consideration of the corrosivity category. ISO 12944-5:2007, describes the types of paint and paint system commonly used for corrosion protection of steel structures such as industrial fans. It also provides guidance for the selection of paint systems available for different environments and different surface preparation grades, and the durability grade to be expected. The durability of paint systems is classified in terms of low, medium and high. Paint grade finishes include C3 for urban and industrial atmospheres, C4 for industrial and coastal areas and C5M for marine, offshore and coastal environments. • If you are interested in any of the solutions discussed in this article, please contact Axair Fans using the information below to request a quote or to discuss how they can help.

Axair Fans UK Ltd

T: +44 (0) 1782 349 430 E: sales@axair-fans.co.uk W: https://www.axair-fans.co.uk

ADNOC to continue to Focus Smart Growth through Strategic Partnerships

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), today shared insights on energy market dynamics, the energy transition, and ADNOC’s future strategy during a virtual session of the Energy Intelligence Forum. Speaking with Alex Schindelar, President of Energy Intelligence, during a leadership dialogue, H.E. Dr. Al Jaber said: “When it comes to managing the economic impact of Covid, it really comes down to the fact that we are realizing the benefits of the transformation we started four years ago. Over this period we have focused on improving our performance and strengthening our agility while always reinforcing efficiency throughout our business. Most importantly we have focused on what we can control and that is our costs. “Going forward, we will continue to focus on developing our upstream resources and expanding our downstream footprint here in the UAE, while maximizing value through creative partnerships. In addition, we are further strengthening our marketing and trading capabilities. Last month we completed our first derivatives trade, marking the beginning of a new era for ADNOC as an active trader.” Commenting on how ADNOC and Abu Dhabi have continued to attract investment in 2020 following ADNOC’s multi-billion dollar deals, H.E. Dr. Al Jaber said the deals were as a result of the fact that the UAE has created a safe, reliable, and stable business environment, underpinned by a unique partnership model. He noted this business environment is very attractive to the global investment community who view the UAE as a highly trusted, go-to investment destination. H.E. Dr. Al Jaber added that “these transactions have highlighted the world-class nature of Abu Dhabi’s and ADNOC’s energy assets and infrastructure base, together with their low-risk and high return profile.” Responding to a question on ADNOC’s strategy behind monetizing assets, H.E. Dr. Al Jaber said ADNOC’s strategy is very much focused on unlocking value and driving growth through smart, creative partnerships. He stressed ADNOC “will continue to leave no stone unturned to maximize value from across our portfolio.” H. E. Dr. Sultan noted that while no one is in a position to predict what the shape of economic recovery will look like over the next few months given that there are multiple variables at play, the long-term structural market for oil and gas is very robust, with demand expected to increase to 109 million barrels per day over the next 25 years, in line with global economic growth. He went on to highlight the role of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in balancing oil markets since the markets reached its low point in March while stressing the UAE is complying with its production quota agreed with OPEC plus. “I must commend our partners in OPEC plus for their collective efforts to balance supply and demand during this critical period. As part of this effort, the UAE continues to adhere closely to all agreed cuts. In fact, we achieved well over 100 percent compliance this past month and these measures are having a positive impact on market confidence,” H.E. Dr. Al Jaber said. Speaking on ADNOC and the UAE’s approach to COVID-19, H.E. Dr. Al Jaber explained how the country’s robust response has focused on a safety-first approach to “test early, test often and test again and again.” “The UAE has carried out over 10 million tests so far – that’s more than one test for every citizen and resident of our country. This great public health effort makes the UAE the first country in the world where the number of COVID tests exceeds the population and it is a testament to t he careful and prudent guidance of our wise leadership,” H.E. Dr. Al Jaber said. ADNOC has followed this example closely and the company’s strong health, safety, and environment (HSE) culture has been instrumental in handling the pandemic from a health perspective, H.E. Dr. Al Jaber said. He explained that ADNOC has successfully managed the economic impact of Covid as a result of its transformation which was started four years ago and this has enabled the company to maintain uninterrupted operations throughout this period and deliver on its strategic objectives. H.E. Dr. Al Jaber also shared his perspective on the energy transition and outlined how ADNOC is preparing for the future energy landscape. He emphasized that in 2030, oil and gas will remain at the heart of ADNOC’s business model because even in the most fast-paced transition scenario, hydrocarbons will still provide over half the world’s energy needs. He explained that this reality underscores ADNOC’s commitment to expanding its crude oil production capacity to 5 million barrels per day by 2030 while driving gas self-sufficiency for the UAE. •

Enterprise and Customers Amend Crude Oil Agreements; Enterprise Cancelling Midland to Echo 4 Pipeline

Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) today announced that it and certain of its customers have amended agreements that provide Enterprise the ability to use the partnership’s existing pipelines to support its crude oil transportation agreements and to cancel the 450,000 barrels per day Midland-to-ECHO 4 crude oil pipeline project (“M2E4”). Generally, the amendments provide for the reduction of near term volume commitments in exchange for extending the term of the agreements. The cancellation of M2E4 will reduce aggregate growth capital expenditures for 2020, 2021 and 2022 by approximately $800 million. Based on currently sanctioned projects, we expect growth capital expenditures, net of contributions from joint venture partners, for 2020, 2021 and 2022 to be approximately $2.8 billion, $1.6 billion and $900 million, respectively. These estimates do not include capital investments associated with our proposed deep water offshore crude oil terminal (“SPOT”), which remains subject to governmental approvals. We do not expect to receive the approvals for SPOT in 2020. As a result of the cancellation, Enterprise expects to record an impairment charge of approximately $45 million to its earnings for the third quarter of 2020. “We are very proud of our commercial team for responding and working with our customers to amend these long-term agreements,” said A. J. “Jim” Teague, co-CEO of Enterprise’s general partner. “This is another example of Enterprise working with customers for a ‘win/ win’ solution that allows our customers and Enterprise to better allocate capital during the challenging times of the current economic cycle while retaining long-term, fee-based volumes and revenues for our assets. The capital savings from the cancellation of M2E4 will accelerate Enterprise toward being discretionary free cash flow positive, which would give us the flexibility to reduce debt and return additional capital to our partners, including through buybacks.” Enterprise Products Partners L.P. is one of the largest publicly traded partnerships and a leading North American provider of midstream energy services to producers and consumers of natural gas, NGLs, crude oil, refined products and petrochemicals. Our services include: natural gas gathering, treating, processing, transportation and storage; NGL transportation, fractionation, storage and export and import terminals; crude oil gathering, transportation, storage and export and import terminals; petrochemical and refined products transportation, storage, export and import terminals and related services; and a marine transportation business that operates primarily on the United States inland and Intracoastal Waterway systems. The partnership’s assets include approximately 50,000 miles of pipelines; 260 million barrels of storage capacity for NGLs, crude oil, refined products and petrochemicals; and 14 Bcf of natural gas storage capacity. •

EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION

The Leap into Maritime e-Learning Solutions

By Maarit Vähäkangas (Pedagogical Advisor) Novia UAS, Technology and Seafaring, Aboa Mare.

The pandemic forced many maritime training centers to start educating online, basically overnight. Polar Code Basic was the first course that Aboa Mare transformed into an online course. Other courses are under development, in cooperation with shipping companies. Let us take a closer look at some e-learning solutions, focusing on the strategies we found feasible as we started delivering Polar Code Basic training online. We will also look at the advantages and challenges with online courses for course participants and training centers.

E-learning combines pedagogy and technology

Some maritime courses are quite easy to transform into online courses, as other courses require more development before they can be conducted virtually. There are endless possibilities with online courses as the technology evolves and new solutions are introduced. The same objectives matter in online environment as in an on-site classroom. We must define the outcome, what do we want our course participants to learn by participating in an e-learning course? What skills should they have at the end of this course?

Strategies for Polar Code Basic training in the virtual learning environment

For us, it was natural to transform Polar Code Basic to an online course, as ice navigation is one of our core competences. The content and structure of the course had to be re-designed to work well in online environment, as the pedagogical method of presentation changed. We achieved the best outcome by dividing the Polar Code Basic training content into concise

You can access the online material with all devices. Offline training is also enabled.

segments i.e. modules. A clear module structure, along with proper description of the course outlines and content, helps the course participant to understand the objectives while studying. It is important that the course content is simple to understand at a glance. Our course overview includes information about the duration of the course and an introduction to the different modules. There is also a test after each module to check if the student understood everything in the module, and a final exam at the end of the course. We believe that a good e-learning course consists of compact information in a nice package, where the amount of text is limited and emphasis is laid on visualizations such as images, graphics and videos that support

Ahti Hyppönen, Aboa Mare’s Lead Instructor for Polar Code training explains the Egg Code.

the content. It is much more effective to learn by watching videos, than by reading written material on your own. The advantage of educational videos is that a learner can pause the video and watch parts again that he or she didn’t understand the first time. In addition, course participants can watch the video regardless of time and place. As studying online can be quite independent, it is important to bring some interactivity to the course. There are different digital tools for supporting interactive distance learning. We have found that e.g. quizzes and polls are an easy way to bring interactivity to the online course. The syllabus is sometimes left more open in an e-learning course, so the course participants can explore and develop new ideas and cultivate their critical thinking. The instructor can also consider giving the course participants a variety of options, different ways to accomplish something. This might enhance the course participant’s learning process, as there are various learning styles.

Course participants can operate simulators in a virtual classroom

Course participants in different locations can participate in a virtual class and collaborate with the instructor and other course participants. For instance simulator training can be conducted in a virtual class - the participants can operate the simulator remotely, under supervision of the instructor. In virtual simulator training, the course participants can practise and solve highly realistic scenarios. Remote operations also enable us to provide Polar Code Advanced as an online course.

Opportunities and challenges in online education

In an online environment, the course participants are obliged to take more responsibility of their learning. Responses from Polar Code instructors have shown that some parts of the teaching seem easier online. It is for instance easier to share charts and media content online, than in a classroom.

The amount of course participants may be larger in an online course, as there is no need to fit everyone into a classroom. On the other hand, if the group size becomes too large, it may be difficult for the instructor to give guidance to the participants individually. The advantage of online education is also that the costs of travel, accommodation and learning materials come down. Shipping companies can save expenses by letting the employees take online courses, instead of travelling on site. A challenge with online education might be that course participants have different IT skills or a bad network. Course participants should meet minimum internet speed and display requirements to guarantee course satisfaction. Online education works, as long as the technology is in order and everyone knows how to use it.

An e-learning course is never fully complete

The feedback an instructor gives to a course participant, is just as important as the feedback the participant gives to the instructor about the course. We all develop and learn more constantly. The experience we have gained so far through the Polar Code Basic e-learning course has been instructive. We will continue to evaluate the course materials and teaching methods and develop them further where needed. As always, the best courses are achieved when developing both on-site and online courses together with our customers.

If you would like to know more about how Aboa Mare Maritime Academy and Training Center can help your company and its operations, please get in contact with us at: maritime@aboamare.fi or find us on the web at: www.aboamare.fi