- Client: Cadent Gas
- Value: £100,000
- Duration: 4 weeks
Project Overview
The South Ockendon PRS (Pressure Reduction Station) project involved a comprehensive electrical and instrumentation upgrade to enhance the performance and reliability of the site. The scope of works included a complete overhaul of the electrical infrastructure, field instrumentation, and control systems, with special attention given to working in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Key Electrical Upgrades
- FDB Main Switch
- Earth Leakage Unit
- 15KVA 1:1 Transformer
- Distribution System supplying building services
- External Site Lighting, carefully designed for explosive atmospheres
The electrical system overhaul ensured that the site was brought up to the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency, supporting the needs of the gas transmission infrastructure.
Instrumentation Scope
The instrumentation upgrade was equally critical, with key deliverables including:
- A new RTU telemetry panel, built in-house at Simkiss Group’s panel building facility.
- Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to verify functionality and software control, completed in collaboration with the client before delivery to the site.
- Replacement of field cabling, along with new pressure transmitters, differential transmitters, and temperature devices to ensure accurate and reliable measurements.
- Installation of a new UPS system, security system, and camera system, with stainless-steel instrument stands to improve durability and increase the life expectancy of the equipment.
Control System Design
A major component of this upgrade was the design and implementation of a new fail-safe governor control system. This system was designed to regulate the outlet flow to the local district governor, offering both local and remote control. This enhancement ensures that the facility remains fully operational and secure under all circumstances.
Pipework and Pressure Testing
In addition to the electrical and instrumentation upgrades, small-bore pipework and instrument stands were replaced and pressure tested back to the tap-off point on the main pipeline. This vital task ensured that the infrastructure was fully functional and safe for ongoing operations.
Project Challenges and Proactive Planning
The instrumentation work was undertaken during a Non-Routine Operation (NRO), where strict deadlines had to be met to restore the system to full service. This required proactive planning in collaboration with both Cadent and DNCC a full 8 weeks prior to the scheduled date. Our team worked efficiently to ensure that all aspects of the upgrade were completed within the allocated time frame, meeting all safety standards and client specifications.
Key Deliverables
- Complete electrical and instrumentation upgrades, with a focus on safety in explosive atmospheres.
- Successful design and installation of a fail-safe governor control system with both local and remote control capabilities.
- Field cabling replacement and the installation of advanced pressure transmitters, differential transmitters, and temperature devices.
- Successful completion of FAT to verify all systems before on-site delivery.
- Stainless-steel instrument stands and new systems designed to enhance durability and extend the lifespan of the equipment.
- Proactive planning and precise execution within tight deadlines to ensure minimal downtime and fast return to service.
This upgrade highlights Simkiss Group’s ability to handle complex projects under challenging conditions, providing high-quality engineering solutions and on-time delivery for our clients in the gas and utilities sector.
Interested in how we can support your next project? Contact us to learn more about our electrical and instrumentation services.