Cathelco supply ICCP systems for second stage of Filanovsky project
Cathelco are supplying corrosion protection systems for the second stage of the Filanovsky project in the Caspian Sea where Lukoil are extracting oil and gas in the Russian sector.
The impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems have been designed to operate in the rigorous conditions of the Filanovsky field where sea ice is often experienced for more than 150 days of the year.
One of the systems will protect the foundations of an ice-resistant stationary platform No 2 (IRP-2) which will be used to drill 15 directional wells with horizontal borehole completions, comprising nine production wells and six injectors.
The other ICCP system is being supplied for a second accommodation unit No. 2 (LQP-2) which will house 55 people and include a helicopter pad.
The new orders follow the successful installation of ICCP systems on three of the original Filanovsky platforms when Cathelco supplied equipment for a riser platform (RB1), an accommodation unit (PGM-1) and an ice resistant fixed platform (IRFP-1).
“We are delighted to have been awarded further contracts for the Filanovsky project on the strength of our past performance and the ability to design equipment which will operate in the harsh environmental conditions of the Caspian Sea”, said Aneel Mumtaz, a senior corrosion engineer at Cathelco.
The main factors in the design of the system are that the anodes have to be ice resistant, capable of being changed by a diver and easily integrated with the structural arrangement of the platform.
“The ICCP systems have the capability to meet the corrosion protection requirements of the structure for 35 years. This involved the design of high strength cofferdams and special angled doubler plates which deflect ice away from the recessed anodes”, Mr Mumtaz explained.
To achieve the necessary wear resistance, the current emitting faces of the anodes are made from mixed metal oxide (MMO) and have a thickness three or four times greater than conventional anodes.
Another important consideration is the low salinity of the Caspian Sea which creates a higher seawater resistivity. This requires a higher driving voltage for the anodes in order to achieve the required level of corrosion protection.
When the ICCP system is in operation the reference electrodes measure the electrical potential at the hull/seawater interface and send a signal to the control panel which automatically raises or lowers the output to the anodes. In this way, the structure receives the optimum level of corrosion protection at all times.
“Cathelco have amassed a considerable amount of experience in the design of ice class ICCP systems for vessels and platforms operating in Arctic conditions”, Mr Mumtaz concluded.
The orders for the ICCP systems have been received via Marine Bridge and Navigation Systems, Cathelco’s well established Russian agent based in St Petersburg.