FPSO operation

[powerjunx]

Hi Guys,

Anyone who can give me an overview of Floating Production Storage Off-load Vessel electrical or instrumentation operation and set up? Could you suggest books or literature about this stuff?
Thanks in advance.


powerjunx

 

[BigInch]

(?)

Other than the typical stripped down ships equipment, there's not much too them. Crude goes in, stored for awhile and is pumped out. From instrumentation and electrical perspective, there are meters, vapor recovery system (?), pump stations, valve stations, similar to the usual bulk plant liquid handling facilities, except its a more compact arrangement and ... its floating.

Can you be more specific?

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com

"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know, its what we know for sure" - Mark Twain

 

[powerjunx]

thanks bigInch..for your info.

I've been in marine tanker, thus it's not too far regarding its operation and set up.


"..the more, the merrier" Genghis Khan

 

[JRMacGregor]

There are no books specifically about this.

Three initial points

a) hazardous area classification for the topsides of the FPSO (Zone 0, 1 2) is usually done according to different rules from that of the tanker part (Safe or hazardous). Someone needs to make a unified hazardous area plan for the entire FPSO and everybody should follow it.

b) ships usually use insulated neutral distribution systems - topsides guys usually go for earthed neutral - so the interface between the two needs care

c) the fire and gas detection system and emergency shutdown system applied will likely be far more extensive than on a tanker. It may require the ship's HVAC system to linked into the ESD with remote control.

if you are on a conversion, then the marine and topsides control systems will likely remain separate. If on a newbuild FPSO, someone might try to use a single integrated control system. That's a nice target but takes resources.

Also, the offshore guys might specify
- IP56 enclosure protection for everything, even if it is not on the weather deck
- Ex rated glands for everything, even when in "safe" areas

The offshore guys will look down on the electrical installation on the tanker - but probably won't dig too deep into it. If the hull was commissioned at a shipyard, the topsides electrical commissioning guys may very well try to condemn the yard electrical installation.