A new spar platform being built for Statoil’s Aasta Hansteen field off the coast of Norway will feature Wärtsilä’s Inert Gas and Nitrogen Generator systems.
The contract was issued in 2014 by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) of South Korea, the yard building the platform. The Wärtsilä Inert Gas Generator will utilise titanium in its construction, the first time ever that this material has been used in such a system. Titanium was preferred due to its superior corrosion resistance in relation to sea water.
Wärtsilä’s extensive experience and technical expertise in gas handling systems were critical factors in the award of this contract. The use of unconventional materials, such as the titanium used in the construction of the Wärtsilä Inert Gas Generator, as well as noise reduction measures were also necessary. The Wärtsilä Inert Gas Generator is designed to produce mainly CO2 so as to ensure a safe atmosphere in cargo tanks and pipelines to minimise the risk of explosion. Wärtsilä’s Nitrogen Generator package will generate, or create, pure nitrogen gas. This is used for a range of purposes, such as the flushing of pipelines and sealing gas in compressors.
