Offshore staff
OSLO, Norway – An investigation is under way following reports of corrosion on gas compressor coolers on the Equinor-operated Troll C semisubmersible accommodation and production platform in the North Sea.
Drips of ‘pitch’ were found from the cooler on the A train at Troll C. According to the Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA), the cooler was isolated with inspection revealing cracks in the steel.
Following an inspection of the cooler on the B train, which is subject to similar operating conditions, corrosion and crack formation also came to light. Both trains have since been shut in.
The PSA’s investigation will involve a review of the chain of events; an assessment of the actual and potential consequences, and a probe into the causes.
In connection with the investigation, the PSA will:
- Identify proximate and underlying causes
- Use necessary sanctions to rectify any breaches of the regulations
- Publish the results of the investigation
- Contribute to the transfer of experience and lessons learned to other industry participants.
The Troll field is in the northern North Sea, 65 km (40 mi) west of Kollsnes. Troll C is part of Troll Phase II. Produced gas is transported in multi-phase pipelines to Kollsnes where the condensate is separated from the gas for onward delivery.
11/11/2021
