CATS and North Everest Closed Drains Pump Replacement

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The closed drains system on the CATS riser platform and the North Everest Platform comprised of temporary manually operated diaphragm pumps used to pump fluid from the respective closed drain sumps. The operation of both systems was manual and controlled by an operator. Both temporary systems were implemented due to a failure of the original fixed electrically driven pumps.

Chrysaor approached Katoni to provide a proposal for the execution of a project where the existing manually operated diaphragm pumps were to be replaced with a permanent automated system comprising air driven diaphragm pumps operating on gap control from the closed drains sumps.

The incumbent contractor was also invited to provide a proposal for the same project.

At proposal stage Katoni performed an assessment and established that the proposed air operated diaphragm pumps would not afford adequate reliability to be used without supervision or high integrity SIF, and that an alternative pump type would be required for automation of the system. Following discussion with the Chrysaor operations and functional safety teams, they agreed with our assessment. Our diligence and thoughtfulness were acknowledged and appreciated. Consequentially, Chrysaor changed their approach and opted for a permanent manually operated solution.

Katoni provided Chrysaor with a proposal containing favourable costs and based on our clear understanding of the project and support provided regarding the pump operation, we were awarded the EXECUTE phase engineering and procurement.

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Katoni hosted and managed project HAZOPS and the subsequent multidiscipline Execute engineering phase for this project has recently been completed on schedule with no variations. The CATS riser platform closed drains system has been implemented offshore by the incumbent construction contractor. The North Everest platform construction campaign has recently started. To date, no site engineering queries have been raised on either system.

Key benefits in engaging Katoni:

• Our diligence during the proposal phase identified that the pump selection and operation made by Chrysaor would impact the SIL requirements for the closed drain sump level transmitters based on the anticipated high failure rate of the pump diaphragms. This would result in instrumentation currently on the vessel for trip functions not meeting the SIL requirements resulting in a gap requirement further costly modifications – testimony from our client stated that their incumbent engineering contractor did not identify these issues. This is evidence of Katoni’s approach to provide solutions and not just a service
• Workscopes executed without undertaking a Katoni offshore survey. Katoni obtained the asset pointcloud data, identified gaps and created a survey SOW for the incumbent scanning company to perform a survey. All other project data was retrieved from the clients EDMS system.