Hydraulic Starting for Containerised Fire Pump

Bassein Platform A (BPA) produces natural gas from the Bassein Field 80km offshore north-west of Mumbai. Its emergency systems include a containerised fire pump powered by two CAT 3508 engines. Starting systems were part of the emergency systems specification on the new platform hook-up.

The challenges of a containerised fire pump

Containerising the fire pump simplifies the process of installing the unit on the platform but the space constraints within the container make it impossible to install a standard starting system. IPU were commissioned to design and build a custom hydraulic start system as the back-up starting system for the diesel-powered fire pumps.

The starting system was sized to provide 3 starting attempts of 15 seconds, automatically controlled by the fire water pump control panel. The system is recharged through both a hand pump and engine-driven recharge pump. All electrical components are fully ‘hazardous area’ approved.

System pressure is monitored and alarmed from a 4-20m A-transmitter. All instruments are isolated and removable with a double block and bleed valve for system safety.

A full offshore paint specification provides system protection from the harsh environmental conditions.