When it came to updating the four existing calorifiers at The Apache Oil Rigs in the Forties Oil Field, McDonald Water Storage provided the perfect hot water storage solution.
The four 800 litre replacement calorifiers were powered by 48kW of immersion heaters providing a rapid re-heat, to supply the main accommodation block on the oil rig, ensuring there is plenty of hot water on a daily basis as workers come in from often very harsh weather environment and a fairly dirty job.
We supplied the original units and subsequently, as part of ongoing proactive maintenance program, they decided there was only one supplier to contact to supply replacements for all four in 2022.
When we received a copy of the original sketch and with the units being a straight replacement, the attention to the customers specification was critical to ensure that all dimensions were accurate to match their existing units. Demonstrating how technology has progressed since the original order, we were able to produce an CAD drawing showing exactly where everything is for the customer to approve prior to production.
The Forties Oil Field is the second largest oil field in the North Sea, after the Clair Oil Field. It was discovered in 1970 and first produced oil in 1975 under ownership of British Petroleum, now known as “BP” and is located 110 miles east of Aberdeen. If just one cylinder goes down on these rigs and affects production, it can cost the company tens of thousands of pounds per day. So, it is vital that they are supplied with the highest quality standard of cylinder to prevent this from happening, and this is where we met their expectations.
McDonald Water Storage Managing Director Jamie Stewart explained “Our level of accuracy and overnight testing, ensures we are confident that these cylinders will once more provide hot water for many who take on a dangerous job, ironically to ensure we have the power and energy to heat our own hot water”
