Arc Flash Study – Project Highlights
Offshore Operator, North Sea
The Background
Our client’s southern North Sea facility includes three
major groups of assets, including:
• Gas collection and compression platforms 1, 2
and 3 together with associated satellites
• Onshore gas processing plant
This is a significant offshore asset requiring the highest
standards of safety management.
Services provided by GSE Systems:
• Arc flash assessment
• Arc flash calculations
completed a comprehensive risk assessment in order
to identify any situations where the residual risk was
deemed to be sufficient to make the use of additional
PPE appropriate.
The Solution
GSE engineers, in conjunction with the client’s
engineering team, completed a comprehensive
program of detailed site surveys to gather information
required in order to prepare a computer model of
the electrical distribution system on each asset. A
comprehensive electrical protection coordination
(grading) study was completed during model
development.
• Electrical protection coordination (grading) study
• Comprehensive risk assessment
• Arc energy level reduction
• Arc flash labels
The Challenge
The challenge was to complete arc flash incident
energy calculations and flash protection boundary
calculations across all of the client’s North Sea assets.
Upon completion of the calculations, the highest
priority was to reduce arc energy levels by engineering
means. Following the engineering mitigation, GSE
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Mitigation Solutions
Once the computer model was complete and verified,
it was possible to calculate prospective fault currents
throughout the installation together with protection
clearance times at arcing current.
Using this information, GSE calculated the arc fault
incident energy levels and flash protection boundaries
in accordance with IEEE 1584.
Next, a comprehensive program of arc energy level
reduction was completed, which involved:
• The introduction of new overcurrent protection
relays incorporating instantaneous high-set
overcurrent elements onto eight main distribution
boards
• The reduction of the arc incident energy from >40 Cals/cm2 to <25 Cals/cm2 – a key driver for the client’s project
• A revised protection relay setting to improve
stability (updated protection setting schedule)
After completion of the engineering work, the
reduced arc energy levels were recalculated using
the computer model.
The next stage in the process was the completion
of a qualitative risk assessment based on calculated
arc energy levels, switchgear constructional features
and operation and maintenance procedures.
As a result of the risk assessment, the much-reduced
residual risk indicated the use of additional PPE was
required in relatively few situations/procedures.
The Benefits
As a result of GSE Systems’ “end-to-end” arc hazard
study, the following benefits have been identified by
the client.
• There has been a substantial decrease in arc energy levels throughout all of the client’s electrical
installations.
• The improved understanding by operating
personnel of arc flash energy levels and residual risk
has significantly reduced any requirement to wear inappropriate PPE.
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“
GSE has shown great
competency in understanding
the problem, proposing
a solution and producing
back-up documentation
that has allowed us to plan,
implement and commission
the solution with minimum
impact on our operations.
Electrical Technical Authority
Southern North Sea Assets
Oil & Gas Operator
GSE Systems, Inc.
• High-risk situations and procedures have been
identified, and appropriate measures, including
revised operating procedures and the use of
additional PPE, have been implemented.
• Electrical distribution system records have been
updated and a computer model developed, which
will provide a significant benefit for the remainder
of the asset life.
• A biennial update to the models will ensure that the models remain current and any significant new
arc flash hazards are identified in a timely manner.
• The requirement to demonstrate appropriate
strength and capability of electrical apparatus
under short circuit conditions has been satisfied in accordance with statutory requirements.
The Feedback
• The client’s employees now benefit from the
recognition of the arc flash hazard and appropriate
mitigation measures.
“From the commencement of this project, GSE has
shown great professionalism and competency in
understanding the problem, proposing a solution and
producing back-up documentation that has allowed us
to plan, implement and commission the solution with
minimum impact on our operations. The target of the
project – to ensure no high-energy switchboards on
our assets – was achieved fully.”
• A significant improvement in the electrical workers’
safety has been achieved.
Electrical Technical Authority, Southern North Sea
Assets, Oil & Gas Operator
• The process acted as an electrical distribution health
check for the assets.
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About GSE Systems
We are a next-generation simulation, training, and engineering services provider applying a world of experience to help
you achieve the performance you imagine. GSE is a world leader in real-time high-fidelity simulation, providing a wide
range of simulation, training and engineering solutions to the energy and process industries. Our comprehensive and
modular solutions help customers achieve performance excellence in design, training and operations. GSE’s products
and services are tailored to meet specific client requirements such as scope, budget and timeline.
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