Huisman LOC 400
Published
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Rig Electrician Services
In 2019 HAZ was engaged to provide Rig Electricians for a drilling campaign in Western Australia on RIG 405. Rig 405 is a fully automated LOC 400 Huisman rig.
The LOC 400 was last operated in PNG before being cold stacked, returning to Western Australia to start drilling for Buru Energy outside of Broome in WA.
As the Rig Electrician (and Electrical Contractor) it was our responsibility to ensure that the Rigs electrical systems operated as intended and was electrically compliant so that the drilling program could be completed. This did not come without its challenges as the integration of the automated system was very intricate and often threw multiple alarm codes on the HMI. Detailed drawings and OEM specifications were a constant source of information that were cross referenced daily.
The rig consisted of 4 x CAT 3516 C32 generators (480V 60HZ) outputting 4000kW of power. There were multiple voltage transformers delivering 930VDC, 600VAC, 480VAC, 240VAC, 120VAC and 12-24VDC UPS supplies. The rig was a heavily automated hydraulic super single with massive capabilities. Communication was via profinet and fibre connections that allowed the PLC control systems to operate and allow the drillers full control. The three mud pumps, draw works and top drive are all ABB ACS800 VS drives.
During the drilling program we held ourselves accountable for the following:
- Conduct daily walkarounds
- Fault find and conduct defect rectification
- Attend breakdowns
- Perform routine planned maintenance
- Ordering parts and maintain critical spares
- Identifying areas of improvement (MOC, JSEA’s, SWMS)
- Perform hazardous areas inspections
- Update the verification dossier
- Working with Rig crews to achieve the objective
- Maintain the Camps and facilities
- Train the crews in systems and the operation of machinery and various interlocks
At the end of the successful campaign HAZ engaged the Engineers from the rig provider and outlined in detail the changes, upgrades and defect rectification that was completed. Several management of change documents with supporting documentation was provided by our electricians and engineers to ensure the rig remained compliant to current regulations and to aid a hazard free incident free environment for those who work the rig into the future.
Although being in a remote part of Australia and at times feeling isolated, our Rig Electricians on the ground were not alone and could rely on the support of our team back in the office, which consisted of experienced Rig Electricians and Engineers who were able to provide another set of eyes and be sounding boards for those on site. This Team approach gave HAZs onsite personnel technical support and a professional approach to their duties. It showed the drilling operator technical leadership in mentoring the crews on an advanced drilling platform and its systems. This gave the drilling company, operators and crews confidence that HAZ personnel had things under control, technically.
This material is produced by HAZ. The information is of a general nature only and should not be relied upon. Each set of circumstances associated with compliance of hazardous areas and Type B compliance is unique and expert advice on your particular circumstances should be sought. HAZ accepts no liability for any reliance on the information published on this website.