Shell Oil was looking for a safe solution to welding new pipes together on old oil rigs while the rig was in operation. The concern was that the heat and flame of the welding tools could cause an explosion. They contracted with several European companies who designed “premium forge welded connection” 40’ casing tubes and an automated welding process that produced near flush, welded tubular connections. However they needed a unique chiller design that would cool the welding process safely and consistently, so they approached Filtrine.
Filtrine’s specialty is to build custom chillers to cool all types of industrial processes. So when presented with Shell Oil’s contractors’ unique requirements, Filtrine designed an explosion proof industrial chiller, Model PCP-1500S-180A-WP-XP-MOD to meet their specifications.
The requirements for this equipment were rigorous. The chiller had to be built to the standards set by API RP 14F: Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Electrical Systems for Offshore Production Platforms by the standards body, American Petroleum Institute (API). In addition to being explosion proof, it also had to fit into a shipping container to be moved from rig to rig and sturdy enough to withstand hurricanes and winter storms. The vent in the chiller had to be positioned in front of the vent in the container for it to operate properly. This is because the ambient temperature within the container could reach as high as 130°F in the hot summer sun or below freezing in the winter. The chiller also had to be impervious to salt and salt water, and be powered by a generator.
After a thorough design review, Filtrine’s engineers decided on Filtrine’s versatile closed loop chiller model (PCP) with an air cooled condenser and high ambient controls to 120°F. They added two critical options: weather resistant (WP), and explosion proof (XP). The chiller’s motor, wiring and controls were rated for Class 1, Division 1, Group D, Temp T3 area classification.
See Explosion-proof Chillers Explained for more information. If you are interested in a customized chiller for your application, fill out the Process Chiller Request A Quote form or contact your local Filtrine Chiller Representative.
Featured Filtrine Product
Two of Filtrine’s most popular medical chiller accessories are the Model QCP and QCP-ASX Quick Connect Panels, designed to work with Filtrine medical equipment chillers for indoor installation only. Provides diagnostic information to see at a glance if the chiller is operating correctly. These pre-plumbed units allow for instant availability to city water back up (optional), pressure and temperature gauges, flow meter and in-line bag filter. The cabinets are made with 18 ga. stainless steel corner legs and top, and easy to remove aluminum panels for access to valves and filter. The ASX model sports a heat exchanger for back up cooling using plant chilled or city water.
For more information on any of these models, contact your local Filtrine Chiller Representative today.
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