Norway: Farstad Chooses New Omicron Gas System

The new Omicron Gas System, which is designed for monitoring flammable and toxic gasses in liquid cargo tanks, has been chosen for use aboard four Farstad Platform Supply Vessels.

This sophisticated new solution, which Autronica Fire and Security AS will display on its stand at SMM in Hamburg, has been installed to ensure better safety during transport of liquid cargo, with particular focus on the monitoring of gases produced in tanks by used drilling fluids/mud, which is classed as hazardous material.

Farstad has chosen the Omicron Gas System for use aboard its PSVs Far Seeker, Far Searcher, Far Symphony and Far Star, in order to meet safety requirements from Statoil. Developed using Autronica’s extensive knowledge in gas sampling technology, the system will provide better detection of hydrocarbon gas and H2S gas, therefore improving vessel and crew safety in terms of providing a range of alarms for toxic gas release and reducing the risk of explosion caused by the build-up of hazardous gasses in the cargo tanks.

The system consists of two cabinets; an Ex approved Detector cabinet (SS316), mounted in zone one close to the cargo tanks and a Control and Alarm Cabinet with (i.e.) power supply and barrier units, which is normally mounted in the bridge or engine control room. The sampling tube runs from the selected cargo tank through the Detector cabinet, where a non-return valve ensures that no liquid enters into the system. The system is also equipped with a selection panel for purging/calibration function.

“The Omicron Gas System is the first commercial system of its kind to provide direct sampling,” explains Frode Helland Evebø, Global Sales Manager, Division Maritime, Autronica Fire and Security AS. “The system is designed for easy installation so is ideal for retrofitting to offshore vessels. It provides continuous monitoring using dedicated sensors for all tanks, so personnel can take an instant reading at any time, which supports increased safety during the transport of hazardous liquids.”

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, September 4, 2012; Image: Farstad