Pioneering Fire Deluge Technology
Paradigm Flow Solutions has launched a patented technology to market to tackle the persistent problem of lockages in ageing water deluge systems which are designed to extinguish fires offshore. The company, a subsidiary of the Netherlands-based Paradigm Group, has developed the innovative Deluge Preservation service in direct response to safety issues facing the North Sea’s older oil and gas assets, many of which are first-generation installations over 25 years old.
Debris accumulation due to corrosion and marine growth in deluge pipework is an industry-wide problem which operators have best tried to manage through chemical treatment and high pressure water jetting. However, these traditional methods are known to have limited effectiveness and can even damage the fabric of the pipework. Paradigm Flow’s unique Deluge Preservation process thoroughly cleans and flushes out blockages and debris without harming the pipework and without the need for costly platform shut downs. The process uses a unique micro power brush system which is deployed at the deluge nozzles and moves through the internal pipework.
Managing Director of Paradigm Flow Solutions Rob Bain said: “Many North Sea platforms are over 25 years and have exceeded their original design life, or soon will, so it is critical the ageing infrastructure does not compromise safety. Water deluge systems are designed to provide active fire protection, however many systems experience integrity issues due to corrosion and marine growth build up in the pipework and nozzles. Deluge Preservation ensures ageing deluge systems are safely cleaned to pristine condition whilst production is online, delivering major cost savings and safeguarding asset integrity.”
Powerful cleaning brushes de-scale and polish the pipes, giving an intense clean, returning it back to its original condition. The bespoke brushes can navigate their way through bends and difficult access areas to target the blocked areas. The debris is then flushed out of the system and captured for analysis and disposal, and the system is then treated with a non-toxic environmentally friendly corrosion and scale inhibitor to prevent any further build up post cleaning operations. The treatment can easily and quickly be repeated on a regular basis with the deluge nozzles intact. The innovative solution will help operators comply with the HSE’s KP-4 (Ageing and life extension) inspection programme, which was introduced last year to enforce better safety standards on older installations.