New Gas Detection System for Bunkering Terminal

a1-cbiss have designed and installed a new fixed gas detection system which will provide audible and visual alarms to help keep workers safe from potentially dangerous levels of H₂S and O₂ at a UK bunkering terminal. The gas detection system is formed of an Oldham MX43 control panel, 12 Oldham OLCT50 gas sensors and warning system consisting of a sounder and traffic light system. The detectors are positioned within a large ATEX rated underground tunnel located 150 metres underground.

Background

A bunker is the storage vessel used to hold the fuel. Marine bunkering is the action of storing and supplying the ships with fuel. It is referred to as a bunker because in the past when ships used to run on steam when powered by coal, the storage containers for the coal were known as a bunker. So it a nutshell, marine bunkering is just a vessel refuelling.

The terminal has four storage tanks, giving a total storage capacity of 44,000m³. Due to the high volume of fuel stored, the site is under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH).

COMAH aims to prevent and mitigate the effects of major accidents involving dangerous substances which can cause serious damage/harm to people and/or the environment. COMAH treats risks to the environment as seriously as those to people.

Challenge

The site has recently changed ownership and the new owners have been inspecting and testing all the equipment on site.  There is a requirement for detecting levels of Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S) and Oxygen (O₂) within a 150m underground tunnel connecting the large underground storage tanks to the outside world via a supply pipeline.

The existing fixed gas detection system consists of a 12 channel Oldham MX52 control panel, connected to a combination of twelve Oldham OLCT50 H₂S and O₂ detectors.

a1-cbiss are an authorised service centre and distributor for Oldham. a1-cbiss were invited onto site to recalibrate the fixed gas detection system due to their industry leading knowledge of the Oldham gas detection range.

The recalibration of the system is required to help maintain a safe working environment within the bunkering terminal.

Solution

The gas control system was thoroughly tested by an a1-cbiss service engineer but found not to be responding as it should have been. This was partly due to the age of the gas detection control panel and also the detection system had been switched off for over 12 months by the previous owners.

To fix the issues, a1-cbiss sent a technical product engineer to diagnose any potential onsite problems and also carry out a new site survey. As the site also needed to upgrade the warning system for the possible event of a leak within the tunnel, new sounder/beacons and a traffic light warning system were installed outside the tunnel and also near to the control building (which houses the gas control system away from the tunnel).

Working with the site manager and COMAH representative, it was decided that a more modern and feature packed Oldham MX43 control system with an 8 channel analogue card was required to help future proof the system and allow for any potential expansion.

As the detection area within the tunnel is ATEX EX’d due to the constant present of fuel vapours, the new system had be installed to meet these requirements, leading to the installation of new Zener barriers and appropriate cabling and glands.

View the case study online.