Ea 001

Copyright Shell U.K. Limited. All rights reserved.
Shell U.K. Exploration and Production.
SHELL
ENGINEERING
REFERENCE DOCUMENT
CODE OF PRACTICE
HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR

CONDITIONING (HVAC):
OFFSHORE INSTALLATIONS
Document Number : EA/001
Rev : 4/Jan 1997
Mudie, A. (UESC/9) is the appointed Author of this document

and should always be consulted for advice
on validity and currency by a user.
Printed from DEP/ERD CD-ROM version 02/97

Standard EA/001
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CONTENTS
PREFACE 6
1 INTRODUCTION 7
1.1 Scope 7
1.2 Relationship with Other Documents 9
1.3 Compliance 9
1.4 Definitions 10
1.5 Abbreviations 11
2 GOALS OF HVAC 12
2.1 Safety Goals 12
2.2 Goals for the Basis of Design 12
2.3 Goals for Design Development 13
3 DEVELOPMENT OF A BASIS OF DESIGN 14
3.1 Platform Orientation and Layout 14
3.2 Hazardous Area Classification and the Role of HVAC 16
3.3 Natural/Mechanical Ventilation 20
3.4 Selection of Controls Philosophy 22

3.4.1 Control and Monitoring - Normal Operation 23
3.4.2 Control and Monitoring - Emergency Conditions 27
3.5 Operating and Maintenance Philosophy 28
3.6 Environmental Conditions 30

3.6.1 External Meteorological Conditions 30
3.6.2 Internal Conditions 31
3.6.3 Heating, Cooling and Humidification 31
3.7 Materials and Corrosion 33
3.8 Design Margins and Calculations 35
3.9 Wind Tunnel or CFD Modelling 37
3.10 Performance Standards 39
4 SYSTEM DESIGN - GENERAL 41

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4.1 Natural Ventilation 41
4.2 Mechanical Ventilation Systems 41
4.3 Secondary Ventilation Systems 43
5 SYSTEM DESIGN - AREA SPECIFIC 45
5.1 Process and Utilities Areas 45

5.1.1 Mechanically Ventilated Hazardous Areas 45
5.1.2 Mechanically Ventilated Non-Hazardous Areas 45
5.2 Living Quarters 47
5.3 Drilling and Drilling Utilities Areas 51
5.4 Gas Turbine Enclosures 53
5.5 Emergency Plant Ventilation 56
5.6 Ancillary Areas 57

5.6.1 Battery and Charger Rooms 57
5.6.2 Laboratories 57
5.6.3 Purge Air Systems 58
6 EQUIPMENT SELECTION 59
6.1 Introduction 59
6.2 Cowls and Weather Louvres 60

6.2.1 Functional Requirements 60
6.2.2 Technical Guidance 60
6.3 Filters, Coalescers and Separators 61

6.4 Space Heating and Cooling 63

6.4.3 Inspection and Testing 67
6.5 Humidification 68
6.6 Fans 71
6.7 Sound Attenuators 74


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6.8 Ductwork 75
6.9 Fire and Gas Dampers 79

6.9.3 Testing 81
6.10 Other Dampers 83

6.11 Grilles and Diffusers 85

6.12 Packaged Units 88

6.12.1 Air Handling Unit Functional Requirements 88
6.12.3 Refrigeration Unit Functional Requirements 91
6.13 Air Scrubbers 94

6.14 Constant Volume Terminal Reheat Units 96

7 INSTALLATION 99
7.1 Introduction 99
7.2 Joints 99
7.3 Hangers and Supports 99
7.4 Ductwork Insulation 99
7.5 Identification of Ductwork 99
7.6 Cleaning and Protection 99
7.7 Testing 100
8 COMMISSIONING AND HANDOVER 101
8.1 Commissioning 101
9 REFERENCES 102

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9.1 Legislation, Associated Guidance and Approved Codes of Practice

102
9.2 International, National and Industry Standards 102
9.3 Shell Expro Engineering Reference Documents 103
TABLES
TABLE 1 DUCTWORK CLASSIFICATION 75
FIGURES
FIGURE 1 APPLICATION OF EA/001 TO PROJECT LIFECYCLE 8
FIGURE 2 VENTILATION DEFINITION IN IP15 (Numbers refer to

sections of IP15 providing further detail) 19

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PREFACE
This Code of Practice sets out the Shell Expro requirements for the design, installation and acceptance
testing of HVAC systems on offshore installations:
- new and existing;
- normally manned and normally unattended;
- fixed or floating but registered as an offshore installation.
It is intended primarily for new installations in the UK Sectors of the Northern and Southern North Sea.
It is not intended that this Code of Practice should be applied retroactively to existing installations,
however, the goals are intended to be relevant to all installations and should be used as guidance during
modifications to existing systems.

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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Scope
Ventilation provides a vital safety function on offshore installations by:
- diluting local airborne concentrations of flammable gas due to fugitive emissions;
- reducing the risk of ignition following a leak by quickly removing accumulations of flammable gas.
Ventilation is also used to control environment conditions for:
- Personal comfort and welfare; and,
- Equipment performance.
Ventilation may be natural (ie the wind) or mechanical. Natural ventilation is preferred over mechanical
ventilation since it is available throughout gas emergencies, does not rely on active equipment and
reduces effort required for HVAC maintenance. Throughout this document the use of the term,
"ventilation", should be taken to include either natural or mechanical ventilation, as appropriate.
This standard provides guidance on:

• The role of hazardous area classification codes in determining the HVAC philosophy.
• The determination of the external and internal environmental conditions for design.
• The development of monitoring, control and emergency shutdown philosophies.
• The functional and technical requirements of HVAC system components.
• The construction of HVAC systems including fabrication and installation.
• The completion of HVAC systems including the commissioning of HVAC system components and
complete systems.
The following diagram is intended to illustrate the processes undertaken at various stages of the
installation lifecycle and to identify reference documents and the appropriate sections of this ERD
which provide the necessary guidance.

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FIGURE 1 APPLICATION OF EA/001 TO PROJECT LIFECYCLE

This document conforms to a goal-setting approach to standardisation and therefore a degree of
flexibility is permitted when providing solutions to meet particular goals. In Chapter 2 Safety Goals
have been identified which are mandatory and represent the high level functional requirements of the
HVAC systems. These are supported by Specific Goals which are the objectives which Shell Expro is
striving to incorporate into a project Basis of Design. They are mandatory for all installations and
should contribute to the achievement of the Safety Goals. A Strategy is identified which outlines the
recommended approach to satisfy the goals. In order to ensure that a consistent basis and approach is
employed within Shell Expro, the strategy is in general, mandatory for new installations and major
refurbishments.
The Strategy is supported by Technical Guidance which discusses the suitability of different techniques
for different applications and identifies examples of best practice or cost effective solutions. The
Strategy may be satisfied by other methods not identified in this document but it is the responsibility of
the user to assess whether this method is technically acceptable and that the risk to individuals or the
environment is not significantly increased.
Chapter 3 concentrates on information required in the development of a Basis of Design for either a
new project or major modification to an existing installation and provides guidance on:
- Platform orientation and layout.
- Hazard identification and Hazardous area classification.
- Choice of natural or mechanical ventilation systems.
- Development of the controls philosophy.
- Confirmation of the environmental conditions.
- Material selection.

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- Design margins and calculations.
- Design development and validation using wind tunnel testing or CFD.
For new designs the development of a design basis may be progressed using the guidance and examples
of best practice that are identified in this document though it should be recognised that it involves a
process of iteration as the design matures and does not take place as the sequential series of steps used
here to facilitate presentation. The processes outlined are equally applicable to major redevelopments as
to existing installations but some compromise may need to be made as a result of historical decisions
regarding layout, equipment selection and the prevailing level of knowledge at the time. The challenge
of providing cost effective solutions in redevelopment is therefore significantly greater than for a new
design.
Chapter 4 covers general aspects of HVAC system design and addresses the fundamental choice
between natural and mechanical ventilation.
Chapter 5 gives technical guidance associated with the design of HVAC systems for different areas of a
typical offshore installation which introduce particular technical considerations due to their location
and/or their function. Specifically, the sections address:
5.1 Process and Utilities Areas.
5.2 Living Quarters.
5.3 Drilling and Drilling Utility Areas.
5.4 Gas Turbine Enclosures.
5.5 Emergency Plant Ventilation.
5.6 Ancillary Areas, such as Battery rooms, Laboratories and Purge Systems.
Chapter 6 provides design and construction guidance on individual system components. It is provided
in a format intended to support the completion of functional data sheets used by design contractors.
Chapter 7 provides examples of good practice in the mechanical completion of systems and testing.
Commissioning and handover requirements are addressed in Chapter 8.
1.2 Relationship with Other Documents

This document has been prepared in a format consistent with the draft ISO standard ISO/WD 15 138,
Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries - Offshore Production Installations - Heating Ventilation and Air-
Conditioning. This has enabled many of the contents of existing Engineering Standards, (ESs) to be
incorporated into this document and some ERDs previously used in HVAC design and equipment
specification to be retired. Those documents currently supported by EP Consultancy Services are
identified in Chapter 9. It remains the responsibility of the user to ensure that the current revision of
each document is used.
1.3 Compliance
The Code is intended to guide the conceptual and detailed design phases of new projects and is
intended to support both the project design team and the engineering design Contractors and
Consultants. This Code will also be used as a basis for the review of existing facilities. It is recognised
that practical constraints may be found when applying the requirements of this code to existing
installations therefore, when the intents of any goal contained within this code cannot be met then a
deviation request shall be raised for the written approval of the appropriate Technical Authority.
Any deviations from the goals shall be logged and supported by an assessment of the hazards and
controls in place and, where necessary, an evaluation of the costs and benefits of upgrading. Deviations

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from the mandatory requirements in the strategy and guidance shall be justified and approved by an
appropriate Technical Authority.
1.4 Definitions
Axial Flow Fan - A fan in which the air enters the impeller axially and is discharged
axially
Balancing - The method of apportioning the total air volume flow rate of ductwork
system between its various terminals such that each terminal handles air
volumes in proportion to the design air volume.
Comfort Level - Specified Environmental air conditions within an occupied space.
Commissioning - Bringing the HVAC Installation into a correct operational state; setting
the plant to work.
Continuous Running - System fully operating 24 hr/day, 365 days per year.
Cross Contamination - Pollution of the air intake to HVAC systems jointly or severally by
extract systems, fumes and products of combustion.
Equivalent Diameter - The diameter of a duct having a pressure loss per unit length of duct,
equivalent to a rectangular or square duct handling the same air
quantity.
Extract Air - Air drawn or expelled from an occupied space.
Extract Outlet - An opening in the walls, floor or roof of an enclosure through which
extract air can relieve to the outside atmosphere.
Centrifugal Fan - A fan in which the air enters the impeller axially and is discharged
radially.
Mixed Flow Fan - A fan in which the air path through the impeller is intermediate between
the centrifugal and axial flow types.
Gas - Hydrocarbon and other Hazardous gases present on an Installation.
Hook-up - Connecting together the services and process systems of modules

following placement of the modules onto a platform.
Manned Areas - Areas on an Installation where personnel are normally present during
operations. These areas also include parts of the Installation occupied
during personnel rest periods.
Space - The volume of air in an enclosure intended for occupation by personnel

and/or for the process/drilling/utilities.
Supply Air - Air delivered to an enclosure in order to ventilate/pressurise the area

served.
Thermal Lift - The effect on an airstream caused by the difference in density between
air at a higher temperature than the surrounding atmosphere, causing
warm, lighter air to rise.
Transfer - An opening in an enclosure separating two adjoining spaces enabling

Grille/Outlet air to pass from one to other.
Transmission - The thermal transmission in unit time through unit area of a structure
divided by the difference between dry bulb temperatures each side of

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the structure in steady state conditions (W/m2 °C).
Unit Heater - An air heater provided with integral fan, arranged to draw air from the
space in which it is mounted and to heat and discharge heated air into
that space.
Unmanned Areas - Areas on an Installation where personnel are not normally present
during operations, but only during maintenance/servicing.
Velocity Pressure Vp - The pressure equivalent of fluid velocity at any particular point.
Free Cooling - The use of unconditioned outside air to limit the temperature rise in a
given area.
1.5 Abbreviations
AHU Air Handling Unit
ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
BS/BSI British Standards Institution
CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics

CIBSE Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
COSHH The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
db Dry Bulb Temperature

dB Sound Pressure Level in decibels
HSE Health and Safety Executive

HVAC Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
HVCA Heating and Ventilating Contractors Association
ICC Installation Control Centre

IEE Institution of Electrical Engineers
IP Institute of Petroleum (UK)
LEV Local Exhaust Ventilation
NGTE National Gas Turbine Establishment

NR Noise Rating
Pa Pascals
RH Relative Humidity
wb Wet Bulb temperature

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2 GOALS OF HVAC
2.1 Safety Goals

EA/005 gives guidance on the application of the Shell Expro Hazards and Effects Management Process
and identifies that HVAC has a role in the event of a loss of containment by providing:
- Dilution of minor releases (of hydrocarbons or toxic gases, such as H2S).
- Pressurisation of areas.
- Isolation between areas.
The standard indicates that the 4 Safety Goals of HVAC are, so far as is reasonably practicable, to:
1) Prevent through pressurisation, the ingress of potentially flammable gas air mixtures into Non-
Hazardous Areas when they are adjacent and connected to Hazardous Areas.
2) Prevent the formation of potentially Hazardous concentrations of flammable gaseous mixtures in

Hazardous Areas by provision of adequate ventilation for the dilution, dispersion and removal of
such mixtures.
3) Maintain essential ventilation to all equipment and areas/rooms which are required to be
operational during an emergency when the main source of power is unavailable.
4) Provide a controlled environment in which personnel, plant and systems can operate effectively.
2.2 Goals for the Basis of Design

The following goals should guide the development of a Basis of Design and contribute to the
satisfaction of the Safety Goals:
1) To provide input into the early stages of design development so that equipment that may have a
requirement for HVAC, or be affected by its provision, is sited in an optimum location, so far as is
reasonably practicable.
2) To adopt in the design and operation processes a consistent philosophy for the separation of
Hazardous and non-Hazardous areas and the performance of ventilation in those areas.
3) To select a means of providing adequate ventilation to any Hazardous or Non-Hazardous area of

an installation.
4) To provide a system for controlling HVAC systems from a frequently manned location that
provides the operator with essential information on the status of the plant and is integrated with the
installation Fire and Gas and Emergency Shutdown systems so that actions in an emergency
minimise the risk to personnel.
5) To provide an HVAC design which provides as high a degree of operational availability, so far as
is reasonably practicable, within the constraints imposed by installed cost, maintenance resources
and the consequences of failure.
6) To determine an environment Basis of Design that enables cost-effective HVAC systems to be

designed which meet the overall goals for HVAC.
7) To specify materials and protective coatings for equipment and components that minimise, as far
as is reasonably practicable, lifecycle costs for the installation and potential harm to personnel who
may be affected by their operation.
8) To ensure that design integrity is demonstrated in the provision of cost effective HVAC systems

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by calculations which take due account of the accuracy of HVAC system data and extremes of
design environmental conditions.
9) To undertake a modelling program that reproduces installation conditions as accurately as possible

so that design options may be consistently evaluated and the chosen option optimised with a high
degree of confidence that the design performance will be replicated by actual measurements.
10) To define performance standards for HVAC systems which may be used as a basis for managing
risk throughout the life of the installation.
2.3 Goals for Design Development

1) To provide adequate ventilation to any area that may require it.
2) To provide a system to supplement natural or mechanical ventilation when the distribution of air is
not adequate.
3) To provide a controlled environment for the welfare of personnel.
4) To provide adequate ventilation to equipment that may be required to operate in an emergency

under the conditions that may be present at the time.

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3 DEVELOPMENT OF A BASIS OF DESIGN
3.1 Platform Orientation and Layout

Goal
To provide input into the early stages of design development so that equipment that may have a
requirement for HVAC, or be affected by its provision, is sited in an optimum location, so far as is
reasonably practicable.
Strategy
Installation layout requires a great deal of co-ordination between the engineering disciplines involved in
design and the operation, maintenance and safety specialists. Attention must also be paid to the
minimisation of construction, offshore hook-up and commissioning. It is not the intention of this
document to detail a platform layout philosophy but to identify areas where considerations of the role of
HVAC and requirements for it might have an impact in the decision making surrounding installation
orientation and layout.
Each Installation should have a 'Temporary Refuge', which may be an enclosure or an open area, such
that personnel can seek refuge in the event of a gas release or major fire. The Temporary Refuge should
in almost all cases be the Living Quarters, where one is provided. The positioning of the Living
Quarters and the associated means of evacuation to avoid the consequences of radiation and smoke
effects are of paramount importance. The maintenance of the TR Life Support, which is directly related
to the air change rate, may introduce consideration of active HVAC systems for pressurisation of the
LQ or enclosed escape and evacuation routes. Active systems require detailed risk assessment exercises
to be undertaken as part of the design verification and passive systems are generally preferred since
they do not rely on equipment functioning under conditions of emergency.
Hazardous areas, particularly high pressure hydrocarbon systems, should be located as far as
practicable from the Temporary Refuge so that any gas leaks will be naturally dispersed.
The layout should include correct positioning of ventilation inlets and outlets, engine inlets and
exhausts, vents and flares to allow for safe operation. Hot exhausts should not interfere with crane,
helicopter, production or drilling operations and the Living Quarters, and should be directed so as not to
be drawn into gas turbine air intakes. The flare should be positioned so that the flame and fumes are
least likely to be blown back onto the platform.
All air inlets should be located at the maximum practicable distance from a Hazardous area, irrespective
of the minimum distances required by area classification codes.
Guidance
Results of wind tunnel model tests or CFD calculations on the installations should be considered in
order to determine the external zone(s) of wind pressure in which to locate the intake(s) and outlet(s)
for the HVAC system(s). Particular care should be taken in locating air intakes and discharges with
regard to the location's coefficient of pressure and its subsequent effect on fan motor power.
The underside of a platform can be a convenient location for HVAC inlets and outlets because a large
proportion of the below platform zone may be classified as Non-Hazardous and have stable wind
conditions. However, consideration should be given to the effects of the wind and waves and the
location of items such as dry powder dump chutes and cooling water discharges if locating the fresh air
intakes and extract discharges below the platform.
Air intake and discharge from the same system should, where reasonably practical, be located on the
same face of the installation or in external zones of equal wind pressure. Baffles may be fitted to reduce
the effects of wind gusts. Particular care should be taken in orienting air intakes and discharges on
systems serving adjacent Hazardous and Non-Hazardous areas such that whilst the wind may affect the
absolute values of pressurisation in each area, the differential pressure requirements between them will

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not vary to a significant degree. For Floating Production Systems the downwind area may provide an
appropriate location but it will be necessary to show that it is positioned to avoid ingestion of smoke or
contaminants and capable of operation in adverse weather.
Air intakes should be located to avoid cross contamination from:

- exhausts from the fuel burning equipment;
- lubricating oil vents, drain vents and process reliefs;
- dust discharge from drilling, dry powders;
- helicopter engine exhaust;
- flares; and,
- supply and support vessels.
The siting of gas turbines and generators usually pose a challenge to layout designers and should be
located in a Non-Hazardous area and with consideration to the following points:
1) The air intake should be sited the maximum possible distance from Hazardous areas and as high
above sea level as possible to avoid water ingress (an absolute minimum of at least 3m above 100
year storm wave level). The intakes should be located such that powder and dust does not become
ingested. Since most particulate matter in the air is generated on the platform from drilling
operations and grit blasting, the preferred arrangement is for air intakes to be located above the
upper deck level.
2) Re-circulation from the exhaust back to the inlet should be avoided and be demonstrated by wind
tunnel tests. The preferred arrangement is for gas turbine exhausts to be vertically upwards above
the helideck, if fitted.
3) Exhaust flue emissions should be such that it does not interfere with helicopter, production,
drilling and crane operations and does not become ingested in the HVAC or engine intakes.
CAP 437 requires the CAA and helicopter operator to be informed "where ambient temperatures, in the
vicinity of the flight paths and over the landing area, is increased by more than 2°C....." (Section 3.4).
Additional guidance is given in the same document that "the vertical component of airflows resulting
from wind velocities up to 25 metres per second should not exceed ±0.9 metres per second over the
landing area at the main rotor height." (Section 3.3).
Computer models are available to model hot and cold plume dispersion patterns and should be used to
establish outlet positions but the final layout/model should be optimised using wind tunnel tests at an
early stage in platform design development.

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3.2 Hazardous Area Classification and the Role of HVAC

Goal
To adopt in the design and operation processes a consistent philosophy for the separation of Hazardous
and Non-Hazardous areas and the performance of ventilation in those areas.
Strategy
The application of a recognised hazard identification and assessment process, such as that described in
EA/005 or ISO 14140, may identify a role for the separation and segregation of inventories on an
installation. Area Classification codes specify separation distances between Hazardous and Non-
Hazardous Areas in order to avoid ignition of those releases which inevitably occur from time to time in
the operation of facilities handling flammable liquids and vapours. The selection of a Hazardous area
code will guide the selection of equipment used in particular areas of the installation but will also
provide performance standards for HVAC systems in those areas.
All area classification codes should be interpreted in a practical manner. They offer only best guidance
and often the particular circumstances require a safety review to ensure the risks are ALARP by
optimising the location of boundaries and potential ignition sources. In order to establish area zoning
correctly and consistently, historical data from similar plant operating conditions are often used as a
basis for assessment.
The Institute of Petroleum Area Classification Code for Petroleum Installations, Model Code of Safe
Practice Part 15 (IP Code Part 15) is the Code adopted by Shell Expro for the classification of all areas
on new installations and major developments/modifications to existing installations.
Guidance
Ventilation impacts upon Hazardous area classification and provides a vital safety function on offshore
installations by:
- diluting local airborne concentrations of flammable gas due to fugitive emissions;
- reducing the risk of ignition following a leak by quickly removing accumulations of flammable gas.
Fugitive emissions are those small releases which continuously occur from process components during
normal operations and are different to continuous grade emissions which occur in Hazardous area
classification. A methodology for predicting the hydrocarbon fugitive emissions for a given plant
design/layout, so allowing calculation of the quantity of ventilation air to maintain a non-flammable
condition, is given in ES/292 to which further reference should be made. It is a spreadsheet based
approach which uses data published by API in the document, "Fugitive Hydrocarbon Emissions from
Oil and Gas Production Operations", API Publication Number 4589, December 1993.
Area Classification in accordance with IP Code Part 15 results in the division of a facility into
Hazardous Areas and Non-Hazardous Areas and the subdivision of Hazardous Areas into Zones. The
definitions of the Zones in IP15 is consistent with the definitions in IEC 79-10. Equipment with the
appropriate level of protection shall then be selected for installation in each Zone. In general, offshore
installations should be designed such that no area can be classified as a Hazardous Area Zone 0.
Similarly, installations should be designed such as to avoid, so far as is reasonably practicable, areas
which need to be classified as Zone 1.
Ventilation provided under the code may be natural (ie the wind) or mechanical. Natural ventilation is
usually preferred over mechanical ventilation since it is available throughout gas emergencies, does not
rely on active equipment and reduces effort required for HVAC maintenance but extreme
environmental conditions may determine a preference for mechanical ventilation of enclosed modules.
Under the IP Code Part 15, Hazardous Areas on offshore installations are classified into the following
types:
- Open Areas if they are in open air conditions with no stagnant areas where the wind speeds are rarely

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< 0.5m/s and frequently >2m/s.
- Sheltered Areas if there is some local obstruction or shielding which does not give truly open air
conditions.
- Enclosed Areas if there is some form of solid boundary and flammable atmospheres will not disperse
naturally without artificial ventilation.
All Hazardous Areas must have Adequate ventilation, with no stagnant areas.
It should be noted that there is no formal definition of the term 'stagnant area' in IP15. It is taken to be
any are in which there is no discernible air movement eg demonstrated with smoke pencils. No single
stagnant area should exceed 5% of the module volume.
Sheltered and Enclosed areas may have Adequate or Inadequate ventilation depending on whether there
are more or less than 12 air changes per hour and no stagnant areas.
Open or Sheltered Areas can be naturally ventilated and are preferred over Enclosed Areas.
Furthermore, Open Areas have advantages in mitigating against explosions.
Figure 2 identifies in flow chart form the process in IP15 behind Hazardous area classification and
determination of ventilation requirements.
Where Enclosed Areas exist on installations, adequate mechanical ventilation shall be provided and
designed such that there are no stagnant areas. Lack of adequate ventilation for an Enclosed Area will
require a Zone 2 classification to be increased to Zone 1. For operational reasons it is usually preferred
that remedial work is undertaken to satisfy the requirements of Zone 2 classification, rather than to
retain the Zone 1 designation.
The traditional Area Classification Code requirements for adequate ventilation, for both naturally and
mechanically ventilated enclosures, stipulate that;
1) 12 air changes of the enclosure should be achieved per hour.
2) The enclosure should not contain stagnant areas (ie should be 'well mixed').
The 12 acph figure is intended to be sufficient to rapidly remove gas after a small leak. In well mixed
areas 3 air changes will make an area safe. (ie 100% gas will dilute to a concentration of less than 5%
after just 3 complete air changes).
For enclosures that are 'well mixed' it has been demonstrated that enclosure volume is not a factor and
that it is the leakage rate of flammable vapours that directly determines the rate of ventilation required.
It follows that in using the IP15 criterion of 12 acph as it stands, recommended ventilation rates for
small leakages of flammable material may be much higher than are actually required.
It is acceptable to adopt an alternative ventilation philosophy based on a leakage rate eg a leak of 0.05
kg/s shall correspond to less than 20% LFL but the prediction of this level will require access to
sophisticated CFD modelling which may not be adequately validated and therefore not readily
acceptable to the regulator. Measurement during operation is also subject to considerable uncertainty.
Lower ventilation rates may also have adverse effects on the efficiency of gas/air mixing. For these
three reasons the conservative approach offered by the adoption of a fixed number of air changes, such
as 12 air changes specified in IP15, is generally favoured and any deviations from the 12 acph criteria
should be considered carefully.
For new installations and major new facilities on existing installations the ventilation rate should be
based on the recommendations of IP Code Part 15, ie a minimum of 12 air changes per hour with no
stagnant areas. However, it should be recognised that the requirement for the HVAC system to provide
a suitable atmosphere for personnel and to remove excess heat or to provide an enhanced rate of
ventilation to mitigate against the build-up of potentially explosive atmospheres may determine a higher
level of ventilation than the default lower limit of acceptable ventilation given in the codes.
ES/292 provides a calculation methodology for use in upgrade work on existing installations where
decisions have to be made regarding the reasonable practicability of modifying the system to achieve
the level of ventilation recommended by IP15.

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There is no frequency criterion referenced in the IP Code Part 15 but Section 47.3.1 of the SI 1974 No.
289 Guidance quotes 95% and this has been adopted as a de facto UK standard and in the UK and other
parts of the world. The extrapolation of the annual frequencies when more than 12 air changes per hour
are achieved from the particular conditions measured during installation testing requires the use of a
multi-zone air filtration model.

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FIGURE 2 VENTILATION DEFINITION IN IP15 (Numbers refer to sections of IP15

providing further detail)

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3.3 Natural/Mechanical Ventilation

Goal
To select a means of providing adequate ventilation to any Hazardous or Non-Hazardous area of an

installation.
Strategy
A knowledge of the hazards within any area and the default values for ventilation rate given by
Hazardous area classification codes provide the main framework within which the decision on whether
to provide ventilation by natural or mechanical means is made. Natural ventilation is usually preferred
over mechanical ventilation since it is available throughout gas emergencies, does not rely on active
equipment and reduces effort required for HVAC maintenance. Some of the other considerations may
be:
- Meteorological conditions particularly prevailing wind and strength, external temperature, and
precipitation.
- Risk driven segregation of Hazardous areas.
- Heating and cooling design loads.
- Lifecycle costs of the purchase and maintenance of mechanical HVAC and associated ESD systems.
- Environmental considerations, such as personnel comfort, particulate control and noise.
- Weather integrity of instrumentation and controls.
- Need for structural integrity.
- Control and recovery from hydrocarbon loss of containment.
- Process heat conservation.
Guidance
The major consideration in platform layout and ventilation philosophy is likely to be risk, whether it be
measured in terms of potential harm to the individual, asset or the environment. QRA may be
undertaken to evaluate the risk benefits of alternative layout arrangements during the option selection
phase and HVAC engineers may be expected to contribute to the modelling of smoke and gas releases
as part of the decision making process.
Production areas generally should be ventilated by natural means where possible as this is the least
complex and most reliable method. However, effective temperatures, resulting from wind chill, should
be determined to establish the effects on personnel operating efficiency (where personnel are required
to work in unheated areas) and equipment and consequently the extent of any required protection.
Fully open modules provide the ideal arrangement for natural ventilation. If weather protection is
required it can be provided in the form of weather louvres if cost and weight are acceptable. The
performance of weather louvres is far superior to alternative forms of weather protection. Correctly
designed and installed louvres also promote internal air circulation through good diffusion.
Alternative forms, utilising open slots or perforated sheets, may be suitable but are unlikely to create a
good diffusion effect and may not contribute significantly to moisture removal. Increased resistance to
airflow and diffusion may dictate the need for additional mechanical ventilation.
Mechanical Ventilation should be utilised when ventilation by natural means is unable to satisfy
requirements.
Powered systems should operate satisfactorily in wind conditions varying from still air to design wind

Standard EA/001
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speed and plant margins should be included in the design in order to ensure the requirements are met
during adverse wind effects.
Further information on the derivation of the environmental Basis of Design is given in Section 3.6 and
appropriate meteorological data can be obtained from EN/076 - 8, as appropriate.
Free cooling, ie cooling by the outside air, is preferred to cooling by refrigeration where practical.
Environmental data from project locations should be used to determine available free cooling potential,
and should be verified to ensure that temperature differentials, normally too low to allow margin for
error, are correct. Assumed differentials are not acceptable. It is, however, accepted that space
temperatures may go above design maximum for short periods during peak outside conditions. Designs
should ensure that adequate ventilation air is provided to control heat gains from personnel, equipment
and heat transmitted through the walls of the space(s) served. Outside air is to be used as the cooling
medium wherever possible. Note that the practicality of free cooling is always likely to be marginal and
thence validation of cooling levels is particularly important. Heat gains from fans, fan motors and
conduction into the ductwork should be included in the cooling load calculations. Particular attention is
drawn to dissipated heat from fans and motors, as experience demonstrates that underestimation of
resultant system temperature rise is a common problem.
Where there is less need for precise temperature control eg generator and compressor rooms, sea water
cooling coils may be considered provided precautions are taken to prevent water side fouling, corrosion
and erosion.
Consideration should be given to the removal of residual heat from equipment that has ceased
operation.
It may be necessary, where heat gains are excessive, to use room air conditioning units mounted within,
or local to the space(s) served such as control centres, switchrooms, telecommunications/electronic
equipment and radio rooms. To avoid wall penetration complications it may be advisable to use split
units, with remote condensers, to recirculate air, with primary (outside) air being supplied from the
central system.
Drilling facilities such as Shale Shaker and Mud Tank Areas/Modules should have an air change rate
determined by the air quantity required for the extraction of fumes, heat and dust and will of necessity
require outside air supply to meet the extract air requirements of the tanks and shakers. Under normal
circumstances these requirements will be met by a powered supply system to provide adequate air
distribution to the general space. The exception to this requirement is where the modules are of a semi-
open nature where air can be drawn in from a variety of openings. Under these circumstances natural
ventilation can be used for make-up. The design of HVAC systems in drilling facilities is discussed in
more detail in Sections 3.4 (controls) and 5.3 (system design).

Standard EA/001
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3.4 Selection of Controls Philosophy

Goal
To provide a system for controlling HVAC systems from a frequently manned location that provides the
operator with essential information on the status of the plant and is integrated with the installation Fire
and Gas and Emergency Shutdown systems so that actions in an emergency minimise the risk to
personnel.
Strategy
The philosophy outlined in this Section is representative of good practice on large, integrated
installations and may not be appropriate to very small installations and those that are normally
unattended where HVAC may not be considered to have a role in asset protection.
The systems should be integrated into the overall monitoring and safety systems of the installation and
should be provided with controls for normal and emergency operation which should be within, or
readily accessible from, a normally manned central location, usually the installation control centre, ICC.
Decisions regarding the extent of manual control should be made early in design development.
Depending on the manning and operating philosophies, the cost of additional signal capacity to HVAC
panels and the consequence of failure to act it may not be considered necessary to take some indication
back to the HVAC panel and annunciate automatic alarms. Examples are 'filter dirty' indication and
alarms and humidity indication and alarms.
The requirements for the control of systems in the drilling areas requires special consideration and the
early involvement of drilling personnel. A degree of manual control may be required to allow some
HVAC systems to operate under emergency conditions, for example drill string removal, but care
should be taken that alarms are not indicated locally in areas that will not be manned under abnormal
operating conditions.
All controls and indicators serving similar types of equipment should be grouped in a logical sequence
in a dedicated HVAC panel or integrated with the central control and monitoring system. Where this is
not practicable, panels local to HVAC plant may be installed. In all cases a common alarm should also
be run from each local panel to a suitable manned location for monitoring, such as the ICC. In addition,
fire/gas damper status should be indicated at the Fire and Gas panel in the ICC, as a minimum. Local
panels in addition to a central panel should not be installed.
Control panels supplied as part of humidifier or packaged refrigeration equipment etc, should be
interlocked with either central or local HVAC panels.
Integration of the HVAC shutdown philosophy into the Installation ESD and Fire and Gas philosophies
has implications on cost and the specification of equipment. It is therefore important that the HVAC
shutdown philosophy is determined early in design development. Where mechanical ventilation systems
are installed, careful attention should be paid to their operation and/or shutdown in conjunction with
fire and gas detection and protection systems. The HVAC shutdown philosophy for a large offshore
installation might typically be as described in the following section.
In the event of a release, the objectives are to dilute and remove the resulting gas cloud and limit
migration to other areas. The strategy to achieve this is normally to:
- keep the HVAC System running upon gas detection within a Hazardous Area in order to dilute and
remove the gas;
- isolate the HVAC System upon gas being detected in an HVAC inlet, since it is assumed that the gas
is being drawn in from other areas;
- isolate the HVAC System to a Non-Hazardous Area upon gas detection in the inlet to or within the
Non-Hazardous Area, since it is assumed that the gas is being drawn in from other areas.

Standard EA/001
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In the event of a fire, where reasonably practicable, it is important to isolate the area and thereby:
- limit the spread of the fire;
- limit the supply of combustion air to the fire;
- reduce the movement of smoke to other areas where it may impede emergency response.
Mechanical HVAC presents a path for any of the above and should therefore incorporate the following:
- duct penetrations through area fire barriers shall be fire-rated or shall be provided with fire-rated
dampers. The fire rating of the damper should be at least equal to that of the boundary it penetrates;
- fire dampers shall automatically close, and where appropriate HVAC shall be shutdown, to isolate an
area upon fire detection in the area;
- fire dampers for enclosed TR/EER facilities shall automatically close upon detection of smoke at the
HVAC inlet or a fire in any area where there may be a risk of smoke impingement upon the TR/EER
facility.
To pre-empt gas or smoke ingress to HVAC ducts, it is recommended that these actions with respect to
LQ/TRs are also coincident with Surface Process Shutdown (SPS). Consideration should be given to
the provision of a facility to restart ventilation from a manned location in the event of spurious initiation
of SPS.
Alternative shutdown philosophies may be adopted but it is important that they are documented and
consistent with the installation fire and gas and shutdown philosophies.
HVAC equipment required to operate in an emergency shall be connected to power sources which will
function at such times.
Guidance
3.4.1 Control and Monitoring - Normal Operation
3.4.1.1 Dedicated and Integrated HVAC Panels
All controls and indicators serving similar types of equipment should be grouped in a logical sequence.
A typical arrangement for a large, integrated installation would be as follows:
Controls:
Start 
 All fans
Stop 
Automatic - For each run/standby fan set (including shutoff
changeover dampers)
switch with
selector
Open + Close - All fire dampers protecting fire rated bulkheads

Standard EA/001
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Indicators:
Run 
Stop  All fans
Tripped 
Filter dirty - Each filter (not separate vane sections)
On 
 Each heater
Tripped 
High humidity - Main LQ extract duct and each area
Low humidity with individual humidity control (if fitted)
Lamp test
On/tripped - Each package equipment item
Open  Each fire damper protecting fire rated bulkheads or
 providing boundary isolation to a Temporary
Close  Refuge.
*Loss of Each
- Non-Hazardous area that is adjacent and
pressurisation connected to a Hazardous area.
Each gas turbine hood
-
Alarms:
Smoke detection  Or alarmed in the installation

Gas detection  Fire & Gas system
Filter dirty 
High humidity  with mute facility
Low humidity 
Loss of  (pressurisation as per *)
Pressurisation 
A common alarm indication to a normally manned control location should be provided for:
- Fan trip
- Heater trip
- Filter dirty
- High humidity
- Low humidity
- Package equipment trip
- Loss of Pressurisation
Fire/gas damper open and closed indication should be repeated at the ICC Fire and Gas panel,
particularly in the case of Temporary Refuge boundary dampers where the location of a damper which
has failed to close needs to be established quickly to ensure the integrity of the refuge.
To produce the indication listed above, the following instrumentation should be provided:
Ventilation Status
Fan speed sensors (tachometers) monitoring supply and extract fan status. The switches should be
arranged to actuate from normal running to standby fan below 80% of full speed. Alternatively, this
may be done using differential pressure switches located across individual fans, though this is a less

Standard EA/001
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reliable method.
Fan starter contactor open to show loss of power to fan motor.
Fire/Gas Damper Status
Status switches should be located at points on damper mechanism where they will indicate damper
either open or shut positions.
Pressurisation of Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Areas
Pressure differential instrumentation sensing change between inside the area and adjacent outside
atmosphere. A pressure transmitter capable of automatically resetting itself after loss of space pressure
is to be incorporated into the signalling system to ensure satisfactory indication of minimum room
pressure.
3.4.1.2 Local Control of Fans
A manual start/stop station should be provided local to each fan.
Galley extract fans should be provided with both start/stop, with run indication, and with high/low
speed control operated from a selector switch in the galley.
Extract fans serving local fume producing activities or equipment such as welding and paint spraying
booths or positions and fume cupboards, should be provided with start/stop control, complete with run
indication, local to the equipment or working position.
3.4.1.3 Fire/Gas Damper Controls
Control of the actuators should be through a signal from one or more of the following four sources:
- Remote operation from the main HVAC panel;
- Automatic closure by the Installation fire and gas detection panel;
- Automatic fail safe by rupture of an azeotropic tube trigger device;
- Local manual operation from an adjacent Non-Hazardous location outside the module.
Where several fire/gas dampers serve an area module they should be interlocked (grouped) such that
automatic operation of any one shall automatically initiate operation of all the others.
Azeotropic tubes should not be interlocked to provide group closure.
Where a number of safety devices are operated by a single control loop or circuit then failure of any
single device to operate should not prevent the operation of the remainder.
Manual control of fire/gas dampers should be from a three way valve located in the compressed air
supply to the damper actuator. The valve(s) should be (1 per damper or group) installed within a
fire/gas damper local control panel positioned in a safe location outside the main escape exit of the
module served.
3.4.1.4 Loss of Differential Pressure
An indication and alarm should be raised when a Non-Hazardous module, that is adjacent and
connecting to a Hazardous module, falls below a minimum level. This alarm and indication shall be
relayed back to the HVAC panel in the ICC. No automatic means for recovery of pressure should be
included. Careful consideration should be given to the specification of the trip point and a time delay to
minimise the loss of impact that frequent door opening may occasion.
In each Non-Hazardous area adjacent and connecting to a Hazardous module a pressure gauge should
be located locally to a main entry to give a clear indication of module pressure using local external

Standard EA/001
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ambient as the pressure reference. Inclined manometers are not suitable for this purpose.
In each Non-Hazardous area adjacent and connecting to a Hazardous area each extract fan should be
inhibited from starting until its associated supply fan run up speed has been reached and the supply
shut-off damper has opened. Failure of a supply fan shall stop its associated extract fan, but failure of an
extract fan shall not stop its associated supply fan.
In Hazardous areas failure of an extract fan shall stop its associated supply fan but failure of a supply
fan shall not stop its associated extract fan.
3.4.1.5 Temperature Control
All controls, safety devices and associated systems shall be suitable for the area classification for their
location.
Duct or unit mounted water heat exchangers (heating and cooling coils) should be automatically
temperature controlled by a duct or room mounted sensor modulating a heating medium 3-way valve to
give proportional control.
Duct mounted electric heaters rated at or above 2.2kW should be automatically temperature controlled
through duct mounted temperature sensors. The contactors or thyristors may be located in a heater
control panel located near the heater(s) or at a convenient Non-Hazardous location.
Electric heaters rated below 2.2kW, used in the LQ in tandem with constant volume boxes, should be
controlled by either 1 or 2 step direct switching thermostats mounted in the served spaces.
Each electric heater should be complete with:

(a) An integral high temperature cut-out device, attached to the heating element, which shall de-
energise the heater should the maximum surface temperature be exceeded.
(b) A re-set switch to allow automatic re-setting of (a).
(c) A local isolating switch, at the duct position, with lock-off facility for isolation during
maintenance.
(d) An interlock with the respective supply fan and its associated extract fan(s) and with each fire
damper in the supply and the associated extract duct, to ensure that fan trip or associated damper
closure prevents operation of heaters in normally occupied areas.
Direct expansion (DX) type evaporative cooling coils, where required to operate with duplicate
compressors, shall be arranged for independent refrigerant circuits by face interlaced circuits within a
single coil. Refrigerant flow to coils shall be regulated by thermostatic expansion valve(s).
All unit heaters should have hand operated on/off fan control. Additionally, electrically heated units
should be complete with integral automatic supply and high limit temperature controls.
Where a LQ HVAC system employs both heating and cooling duct mounted coils, controls should be
interlocked to ensure complimentary operation.
Fresh air and recirculation dampers, where fitted, should be automatically controlled by external
ambient and recirculation air temperature sensors. An override facility should be provided, within the
HVAC panel, to return the plant to full fresh air for purging.
3.4.2 Control and Monitoring - Emergency Conditions
At the dictate of the ESD/F&G signal the HVAC systems should stop and all:
- electrically powered equipment should be isolated (fans and humidifiers etc);
- pneumatically operated dampers should close (except for emergency power dampers);

Standard EA/001
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- pneumatically operated valves should return to the bypass position.
Once stopped the fans should be prohibited from being re-started until the hazard has been cleared and
the signal has been reset through the ESD/F & G systems.
An override to the ESD/F & G shutdown signal for smoke extract should not be provided to the fan
systems nor fire dampers since smoke removal using the HVAC systems is not usually a design
consideration.
Upon total loss and subsequent reinstatement of electrical power the HVAC systems should be restarted
in accordance with the initial 'start-up' sequence procedure.
Black start ventilation should be achieved primarily by natural ventilation and secondly by portable
fans.
It may be necessary for HVAC cooling equipment serving the ICC, Emergency Switchrooms,
telecommunications/electronic equipment and radio operator's room to be connected to the emergency
electric power supply so that they may continue to operate during an emergency, consistent with the TR
philosophy. The need for space cooling will depend on the rate of temperature rise due to
electrical/electronic equipment heat. Emergency powered cooling should be provided only when
maximum operating space temperatures or the permissible "Heat Stress" will be exceeded within the
required emergency operating period. It should be recognised that equipment heat dissipation during an
emergency may be significantly less than under normal circumstances but there may also be residual
heat from equipment isolated on change of platform status and this may increase the rate of temperature
rise early in the TR endurance time. (See also DEP 37.17.10.11 - Gen on TR design)
Where room air conditioners are installed and are required to operate to provide cooling during
emergencies, they should recirculate air only. Outside air should normally be supplied from the central
system and should be isolated in emergencies through fire/gas damper operation.
All externally mounted electrical components, such as air cooled condensers, required to operate in an
emergency should be suitable for Zone 1.

Standard EA/001
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3.5 Operating and Maintenance Philosophy

Goal
To provide an HVAC design which provides as high a degree of operational availability, so far as is
reasonably practicable, within the constraints imposed by installed cost, maintenance resources and the
consequences of failure.
Strategy
The strategy involves the incorporation into the design of the necessary standby arrangements, plant
operating margins, access provisions and requirements for routine maintenance to enable a specified
operational availability to be achieved at a minimum cost over the lifetime of the installation. In order
for this to be achieved consideration should be given to the following aspects:
- installed cost of a component or system;
- reliability under continuous running or intermittent use and the consequence of failure;
- standardisation of components and holding of spares; and,
- ease of maintenance and consideration of access, special tools.
Guidance
Equipment will normally operate continuously but there will be times when it will be idle or will
operate intermittently. The design should provide for these variations.
Where a system and equipment is designed for continuous operation consideration should be given to
the sparing philosophy. Sparing of equipment is preferred to minimise down time and improve the
availability of essential services. This need is normally served by providing all fans as duplicate sets
giving 100% standby, with the exception of those extract units serving sick bays and fume cupboards
where single fans only are required on these non-essential services. It may however be practicable to
adopt a single, 100% supply fan philosophy if the economics of production shutdown have been fully
evaluated. Similarly, the adoption of 2 x 50% fans or 1 x 100% fan may be acceptable on some supply
or extract systems if contingency plans for breakdowns have identified the likelihood of rapid repair and
alternative means of ventilation.
Reliability data which is required in availability studies and used to assist in the determination of
sparing requirements may not be available until well into design development. The initial assessment of
requirements should therefore be done empirically and consider that the subsequent removal of a 100%
standby fan is cheaper than the design changes necessary if installation is required.
Other considerations in the sparing philosophy may include:
- locations where Non-Hazardous areas abut Hazardous areas;
- Hazardous areas where the potential exists for fugitive emissions to build up over 3 to 4 days;
- areas where overheating may occur or loss of ventilation
- Integrity Envelope outcomes and the cost of lost output
The availability analyses will also assist determination of the required inspection and testing intervals.
Frequencies should initially be set conservatively and modified in line with experience. They might
typically involve:
TR boundary Fire & Gas dampers - monthly

Other Fire & Gas dampers - quarterly
Module air change rates - yearly

Standard EA/001
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Page 29
Central refrigeration plant should have duplicate 60% sets to provide adequate cooling capacity where
loss of cooling cannot be tolerated.
One objective of equipment selection should be to reduce spares stock quantities and to incorporate
maximum standardisation of components to enable interchangeability between all HVAC systems on an
Installation. Special attention may need to be paid to air filters and other consumables. To achieve
standardisation certain equipment may be upgraded or increased in size.
Due to the high cost of maintenance and the need for operational availability, the system shall be
designed to maximise intervals between maintenance periods and the emphasis should be placed on
maintenance on a predictive rather than run to failure basis. Consideration should be given to the
adoption of a condition monitoring philosophy. Long term reliability of components, materials and
systems is essential and particular attention should be given to lifecycle costs.
Plant should be well placed for ease of maintenance in order to ensure better overall reliability. Lack of
withdrawal space inevitably will increase maintenance costs and should be avoided. The following
general principals should be followed:
- Plant and equipment should be floor mounted wherever possible.
- Plant and equipment should have good access for maintenance purposes.
- Permanent access platforms should be provided for all items of equipment requiring regular
maintenance or inspection, where adequate access from floor level is not possible.
- Ample head room and good lighting should be provided.
- Ample withdrawal/removal space should be provided for all items of plant and equipment.
Designs shall include provision for lifting and handling of plant and components during construction
and maintenance.
All components requiring regular servicing should have removal and maintenance space envelopes
developed and co-ordinated with other disciplines. Ideally, withdrawal and maintenance spaces should
be common. These envelope drawings must indicate the position and test loads of all lifting points and
the actual withdrawal route. Routes for large items should be developed to crane lift points or lay down
areas.
All electrical equipment shall be suitable for at least the classification of the area in which it will
operate.
In order to avoid problems during hook-up and subsequent maintenance, no part of any system
requiring maintenance should overhang the sea.

Standard EA/001
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3.6 Environmental Conditions

Goal
To determine an environment Basis of Design that enables cost-effective HVAC systems to be designed
which meet the overall goals for HVAC.
Strategy
Seasonal extremes of temperature, humidity and wind speed vary widely throughout the world and local
regulations governing working conditions may also dictate the allowable extremes in manned or
unmanned spaces. Local environmental information should be specified in the Basis of Design that does
not result in additional capacity being installed to cater for a small proportion of the year when
meteorological extremes are encountered.
Effective temperatures, resulting from wind chill, should be determined to establish the effects on
personnel operating efficiency (where personnel are required to work in unheated areas) and equipment
and consequently the extent of any required protection.
Sound levels generated by, or transmitted through the HVAC systems should not contribute to
exceedence of the levels stated in local regulations, recognised standards or the guidance given in
Section 3.6. A comprehensive analysis should be performed to demonstrate the noise contribution from
the HVAC system. There are many factors which contribute to noise generation but high velocity is the
main one. Flow generated noise should be evaluated at duct velocities above 5m/s in systems serving
normally manned areas and consideration given to the installation of a sound attenuator.
Guidance
3.6.1 External Meteorological Conditions
Preference is generally given to natural ventilation, rather than mechanical, but prolonged occupation of
works spaces may require some form of environmental protection to be provided. The design of the
HVAC systems should be based on the following conditions.
Criterion Basis NNN CNS SNS
Maximum temperature 2% probability of exceedance of all 16°C 18°C 20°C

year average
Minimum temperature 98% probability of exceedance of all 0°C 0°C 0°C

year average
Maximum humidity 100% 100% 100%
Minimum humidity 98% probability of exceedance of all 53% 58% 60%

year average
Design Wind speed 1/12th annual average 1hr mean 27m/s 27m/s 27m/s
velocity at 10m reference height
Maximum wind speed The maximum 1/12th average 3-second 36m/s 36m/s 36m/s
gust at the height of equipment being
installed installation
Further meteorological data can be obtained for the appropriate region from the following documents:
- EN/076 - Southern North Sea

Standard EA/001
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- EN/077 - Central North Sea, or
- EN/078 - Northern North Sea
3.6.2 Internal Conditions
At outside maximum temperatures the internal temperature in manned areas or areas containing
sensitive equiment should not exceed 35°C or a figure determined by the performance of local
instrumentation. Noise limits are usually determined by the levels generated by installed equipment but
should not exceed 85dBA in Hazardous areas at outlets and inlets to minimise contributing to the
overall noise levels.
The table below offers guidance for use in normally manned areas, including LQs. Temperatures refer
to dry bulb temperatures.
Min. Max. HVAC

Temp. Temp. Noise
Description Examples Comments
°C °C dB(A)
Manned Areas - sedentary work Control Room 19 24 45
Living Quarters - all normally Cabins, offices 19 24 40 Corridors, toilet and

manned areas etc galley may have min.
16°C.
Dining room 19 24 50
Light manual work Laboratories 18 24 50
Stores 16 24 60
Vegetable store 5 7
Unmanned without electrical Utilities 5 35 80

equipment module
Unmanned with electrical Switchrooms 15 35 70 As an option to

equipment cooling, heat may be
provided to limit
humidity to 80%.
Equipment rooms with Battery rooms 15 35 70 Some valve regulated

temperature critical instruments lead acid batteries
should operate below
25°C.
3.6.3 Heating, Cooling and Humidification
In naturally ventilated areas such as the drill floor, unit heaters providing the facility for spot heating,
may be used to provide local heating for personnel comfort.
Hazardous areas are not normally manned, and heating should not be provided unless a specific need is
demonstrated eg drill floor. Additional heating for maintenance personnel should be provided by
temporary portable heaters that are suitable for the area classification.
Heating, where provided, should be from a heater battery located in the supply ductwork. It may be
necessary for a number of heaters to be provided for separate compartments, or for zones where varying
conditions are required.

Standard EA/001
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The preferred method of cooling is by Free Cooling and other methods may be adopted only when this
means is impractical. It is accepted that space temperatures may go above design maximum for short
periods during peak outside conditions. Designs should ensure that adequate ventilation air is provided
to control heat gains from equipment and heat transmitted through the walls of the space(s) served.
It may be necessary, where heat gains are excessive, to use room air conditioning units mounted within,
or local to the space(s) served, such as the ICC and Emergency Switchrooms.
Internal design relative humidity is not required to be controlled, other than by heating to maintain
relative humidity below 80% in selected areas, such as electrical rooms and in the accommodation to
protect the health of the occupants.

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3.7 Materials and Corrosion

Goal
To specify materials and protective coatings for equipment and components that minimise, as far as is
reasonably practicable, lifecycle costs for the installation and potential harm to personnel who may be
affected by their operation.
Strategy
The design life and the environmental conditions at the installation site will determine the most cost
effective materials for HVAC components. A saliferous atmosphere with high relative humidity will be
continuously present during the life of an Installation. Many of the HVAC systems and their
components will continuously handle outside air. Corrosive materials are also present from operations
on an Installation. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the HVAC equipment is designed to withstand
these conditions in order to reduce maintenance and the costs of replacement. Non-combustible, non-
toxic materials should be used throughout and materials when heated should not emit toxic fumes.
Guidance
Of the potential sources of corrosion on an installation the following have the largest impact on HVAC:
(a) Drilling chemicals in dust, paste and liquid form, comprising (but not limited to):
Cement
Caustic Soda
Bentonite
Barytes
(b) Galvanic attack
(c) Products of combustion
(d) Salt aerosols
Materials listed in item (a) are mainly concentrated around drilling storage areas, but they are carried as
wind dusts to surrounding areas following release from storage tank vents and dump chutes.
Items (b), (c), and (d) occur throughout the Installation.
The consequences of corrosion may be reduced by philosophies which either:

- Minimise opportunity through control of environment eg through control of humidity, effective
filtration etc.
- Specify inherently corrosion resistant materials.
- Make use of corrosion resistant coatings.
- Use corrosion allowances to extend the period before replacement.
Stainless steels, typically stainless steels to BS 1449 pt 2 1983 316 Type S11 or S13, are usually
preferred as a means of minimising corrosion but composite materials may be considered. Although
aluminium is seen as attractive for reasons of weight and corrosion resistance its low melting point and
potential for friction sparking in conjunction with rusting mild steel should preclude its use in offshore
conditions.
For short lifetimes, as for example on upgrade or refurbishment work, it may be cost effective to adopt

Standard EA/001
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mild steel specifications for ductwork etc but experience indicates that technical advances extend
planned life longer than designers anticipate with the result that high maintenance and replacement
costs are incurred which could have been avoided by a more conservative, but expensive, choice of
materials at the outset.
Coating of mild steel components offers a potential savings over stainless steel (for example in fan
impellers) but coatings can suffer damage, thereby giving rise to potential for out of balance problems,
and therefore materials and components made from inherently non-corroding materials are usually
preferred.
The specification of ductwork in mild steel and painted or galvanised after fabrication may, depending
on local market conditions, prove more cost effective than thinner stainless steel. Additionally, offshore
construction of HVAC systems seldom involves an accuracy which removes the need for construction
tolerances and the additional work associated with on-site alteration of stainless steel components
should not be overlooked.
All items likely to suffer from corrosion prior to being made operational should be protected to ensure
that they are in a satisfactory condition at time of mechanical completion. This applies to minor
components, such as fire damper bearings, just as much as to larger packaged items.
Consideration should also be given to the sparking potential of components, particularly fans, and brass
rubbing rings and plates fitted to the casing, belt guard and impeller as determined by some
specifications eg BS 3790, DIN EN 1127 etc. The publication, "Prevention of Explosions in Fans",
Eurovent 1/8, provides additional guidance on the subject which is recommended for consultation.
Earth continuity should be provided and each component fitted with a 45mm diameter x 30mm long
stainless steel Type 316 earthing boss tapped for an M10 stud 80mm long and complete with stainless
steel nuts and washers.

Standard EA/001
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3.8 Design Margins and Calculations

Goal
To ensure that design integrity is demonstrated in the provision of cost effective HVAC systems by
calculations which take due account of the accuracy of HVAC system data and extremes of design
environmental conditions.
Strategy
The strategy requires the production of design calculations by a suitably qualified and experienced
engineer in a clear and logical format that recognises the maturity of the design and the consequences of
adding margins to the design in respect of the sizing of fans, cabling, switchgear and generation
capacity.
Guidance
Evaluation of the ductwork system resistances and interaction of supply and extract systems with
respect to room pressures and wind effect may be calculated manually or via a suitable computer
program that is endorsed by either CIBSE, ASHRAE or a similar recognised authority. An example of a
suitable program is the HEVACOMP Duct Sizing Program. Any calculations performed using
computer programs should be carried out by a fully qualified and experienced discipline engineer
conversant with the workings of the program. HVAC design calculations should be produced on
standard sheets with each sheet bearing a title, date and signature of the engineer and approval
authority. The calculations must be revised and updated as finalised discipline information and wind
tunnel tests etc become available.
Fans should be selected to operate on the steep part of their performance pressure/volume curve to
ensure minimal volume fluctuations during adverse wind conditions. The operating point used should
be at the required volume, as determined by the Basis of Design with the pressure loss based on the
actual system resistance, filters being taken at their average dirty pressure drop, plus any pressurisation
load that may be required in Non-Hazardous modules.
The accumulation of individual equipment operating margins should not form the basis of the overall
system design. The purpose of including these margins is to ensure flexibility in the duty of peripheral
equipment rather than gross over-sizing of fan duties.
If the engineer is convinced that a margin is required he must demonstrate that he has taken into
account:
- the stage of the design and the confidence in the ductwork routing and air volumes; and,
- the sensitivity of adding margins to the design with respect to the required motor size ie the doubling
of small motor sizes is unlikely to create a problem, where as the same approach on large motors may
alter the size of generators, cabling and switchgear.
The performance of the combined supply and extract system shall then be checked for adverse wind
conditions. A value of design wind speed corresponding to a probability of exceedance of 5% from any
compass direction should be used, with the effect being calculated using a computer aided engineering
package recommended by ASHRAE, CIBSE or similar authority. This load will produce both positive
and negative effects on the system pressure loss, resulting in variations in the supplied volume and
module pressure. It should not be assumed that these changes are detrimental to the total safety of the
system performance before first fully analysing their consequences. The influence on adjacent modules
should be evaluated along with the effect of the changes in infiltration. Variations in the process
performance must also be considered, as they may affect heat gains and fugitive gas leaks to the space.
Where practical, the fan and motor should be selected to cater for speed increases to compensate for
system deterioration and probable modifications to the distribution duct routes.
Where duty/standby fans are required, they should be selected so that they are capable of starting
against a 5% backdraught volume. Depending on the arrangement and the quality of the run and

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standby shut-off dampers a margin of up to 5% should be added to the fan design duty.
The final selection should be checked for wind gusts producing velocities with a probability of
exceedance of 0.1% to ensure the systems will naturally recover after these adverse effects.
Small volume fans require special consideration. For example a system resistance should not double as
a consequence of the addition of the wind load. The use of cowl type inlets and outlets should be
considered to mitigate the effects of wind loading. Components, such as filters and attenuators along
with ductwork should be increased in size to reduce the system resistance. In other words the system
should be designed around a practical fan selection. This approach will ensure a good fan efficiency,
thereby reducing the generated noise, vibration and power requirements.

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3.9 Wind Tunnel or CFD Modelling

Goal
To undertake a modelling program that reproduces installation conditions as accurately as possible so

that design options may be consistently evaluated and the chosen option optimised with a high degree of
confidence that the design performance will be replicated by actual measurements.
Strategy
The strategy to be adopted involves the completion of a modelling program that generates as a
minimum:
- natural ventilation rates and frequencies;
- wind pressure distribution around the installation to fix air inlet and outlet positions;
- requirements for secondary ventilation;
- gas build-up inside Hazardous modules,
- helideck configurations and operating envelopes; and,
- hot plume and contaminant (noxious exhausts and hydrocarbon smoke or gas) flows around the
installation.
Guidance
Wind tunnel or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling may be undertaken to assess the wind
pressure distribution around the installation in order to assist with the positioning of inlet and outlet
positions and confirm wind loadings on fan systems.
The need to predict realistic explosion overpressures determines the need to predict realistic gas cloud
geometry and composition from any specified release. Ventilation is increasingly being considered to
have a role in the control of explosion overpressures but the physical modelling and validation of
suitable predictive tools is an area where considerable research is being directed and it is not yet
possible to give adequate guidance in this document. Specialist expertise is essential if high confidence
in predicted gas cloud composition and shape is required.
For the other applications CFD, wind tunnel, or compartment modelling may be suitable but the
physical processes involved in the modelling, the range of validity and the validation of results are areas
where understanding is required if the right technique is to be used. Compartment models which apply a
mass or flow balance to individual flows within segmented spaces are the recommended models for the
derivation of annual frequencies of natural ventilation rates.
For smoke and gas modelling, both CFD and wind tunnel exponents advocate use of these techniques
but for reasons outlined in the following sections wind tunnel modelling is generally preferred.
A wide variety of obstructions are likely to be present on offshore installations and the complexity of
these obstructions makes it difficult to assess the effect on smoke plumes. For this reason historical
work on smoke plumes has been based on free plumes in unobstructed space. In reality, the mixing and
dilution process is more complex than this. On the one hand, increased turbulence about the installation
will increase the dispersion of the smoke, while on the other hand, smoke released into the wakes of
modules may be partly sheltered from the wind so the dispersion would be reduced. Detailed wind
tunnel modelling taking account of the structure suggests that the unobstructed plume model is either a
reasonable representation of the plume dispersion or rather conservative.
Computational fluid dynamics has many proponents but is not recommended. Comparisons with wind
tunnel studies show poor agreement with the widely available and commonly used program CFDS-
FLOW3D using the so called k-ε turbulence model. This model is the one most commonly used by
contractors and is not suited to the complex separated flows about offshore installations. More complex

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turbulence models, such as second moment closure, are unproven and cannot be relied on at this stage.
Wind tunnel testing is therefore the recommended method of calculating smoke concentrations and
dispersion measurements. When carrying out wind tunnel studies the following points should be borne
in mind:
The model scale should be no less than 1:150. The use of scale models built for other purposes, such as
display, is not acceptable because display models will not model the surface roughness in line with the
existing rules. Smooth perspex models are also not acceptable for the same reason. The entire model
should be covered in a random distribution of surface element cubes with sides no smaller than 0.5 cm
and preferably 1 cm (for 1:150 scale models). Further information on the rules for surface roughness is
contained in Goldstein S., 1965, Modern Developments in Fluid Mechanics, Diver, NY, or Snyder W.
H., 1981, Guideline for Fluid Modelling of Atmospheric Diffusion, EPA-600/8-81-009.
The model Reynolds number must (conservatively) exceed 10,000 for sharp edged platform structures
of interest such as the Temporary Refuge. For full size circular section structures where the Reynolds
number is less than 1,000,000 the rule above applies. If the full size Reynolds number of round
structures exceeds 1,000,000 then it will not be possible to model these as accurately. If the results of
the wind tunnel testing are strongly dependent on the these structures then the results must be treated
with extra caution.
Flows on lower decks are not accurately modelled and the results are not known to have been validated.
The wind tunnel modelling of internal flows, such as ventilation flows, using small scale models, with
coupling between the internal flows and the external flows around the outside of the platform is not yet
validated. If work in this area is required then Reynolds number effects must be investigated.
Smoke concentrations should be measured and not estimated from video footage. The Froude number,
buoyancy and the relative velocity between the free stream and the fire efflux rate should equal the full
scale values.
It is not necessary to model the marine boundary layer accurately. However, the wind speed at the
model height and the turbulence intensity should be correctly modelled.
From the perspective of understanding smoke movement, a fixed offshore installation is a large and
irregular box, supported in space on legs. Fixed offshore installations generally share this similarity
although they may differ in most of the detail. At the engineering level of approximation required, it is
the gross similarities that matter rather than the detailed differences and the offshore installation can
therefore be treated as a roughly rectangular box suspended in space. The gross flow about the
installation can also be treated quite simply: the airflow separates at the windward face of the platform
and does not re-attach. Thus, other than on the windward face of the platform, the smoke moves in a
large, separated and highly turbulent flow. The major consideration is only when the smoke impinges
on the Temporary Refuge and in particular, the worse case when the smoke engulfs the TR.
SRTCT has developed an air change rate calculation methodology applicable to naturally ventilated
areas that should be used to confirm design predictions. Refer to EN/083 for more detail.

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3.10 Performance Standards

Goal
To define performance standards for HVAC systems which may be used as a basis for managing risk
throughout the life of the installation
Strategy
The structure of an HSE Management System is described in ISO 14140 and refers to three types of
standard against which the results of an HSE evaluation may be judged; Objectives, Screening Criteria,
and Performance Criteria. The document should be referred to for an overview of risk management
principles and descriptions of the standards but the following text has been reproduced to give an
explanation of the lowest level of detail which should be considered when setting performance criteria
for HVAC systems or components. The Shell Expro policy detailed in the Verification Manual is
consistent with the ISO standard.
Performance criteria are normally established on a company or project level and are the standards of
performance of personnel, equipment and systems, identified as necessary for the achievement of the
screening criteria or to move towards company objectives. Performance criteria will generally be
quantitative and should clearly define the level of performance needed for compliance.
Performance criteria are statements, which can be expressed in qualitative or quantitative terms, of the
performance required of the system, item of equipment, person or procedure, which is used as a basis
for managing risk. An important principle to be adopted in the setting of performance criteria is that
their number and level of detail should be commensurate with the magnitude of the risk to be managed.
Thus caution should be exercised to avoid setting performance criteria at a level of detail that makes
little contribution to the management of the risks on an installation.
Guidance
In developing performance criteria for an installation it can be helpful to consider a hierarchy of

criteria. High level performance criteria may be applied to the installation as a whole (eg ability of the
structure to survive defined extreme environmental conditions) or to major systems that comprise part
of the installation (eg the frequency of impairment of the Temporary Refuge). In some cases high level
performance criteria may not be directly measurable but nevertheless they should be capable of
verification from either analytical studies, or from the results of assessments of low level performance
criteria.
Low level performance criteria can relate to the principle systems used to manage major accidents on
the installation. Three characteristics should apply to performance criteria at this level:
• The items selected should make a significant contribution to the management of risk.
• The parameters selected should be directly relevant to the achievement of the system goals.
• The parameters selected should be capable of verification.
In developing the parameters for the lower level performance criteria the following elements should be
considered:-
• The functional parameters of the particular system. This should be a statement of the purpose and
the essential duties that the system is expected to perform.
• The integrity, reliability and availability of the system.
• The survivability of the system under the conditions which may be present when required to
operate.
• The dependency on other systems which may not be available when the system is required to

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operate.
Performance criteria are normally set by an iterative process involving seeking a situation in which risks
are as low as reasonably practicable. This is accomplished by initially setting performance criteria
considered to be adequate based upon experience and normal operating practices. These initial
performance standards are tested to see whether they produce conditions in which risks are as low as
reasonably practicable and then modifying them as necessary to achieve this objective.
In the setting of performance standards the following aspects are important.
• Performance criteria should be particularly focused on those elements which are critical in
achieving satisfactory health, safety and environment conditions.
• Procedural or operational criteria should not be neglected in favour of hardware type criteria.
• Criteria should be directly measurable and should not require extensive computational effort after
measurement.
• Measurement and recording of data to confirm compliance with performance criteria should
wherever possible be part of the normal operational and recording tasks associated with the
particular activity. This will reduce the possibility of duplication of effort and increase the
probability that the task will be undertaken in a conscientious and efficient manner.
• The measured parameters should, wherever possible, be clearly identifiable as contributing to risk
reduction. If this is not obviously so, efforts should be made to explain to the personnel involved,
the relevance of the particular performance criterion.
It is essential to have an established system of standards, such as that described above, against which to
judge the acceptability of the results of the HSE evaluation and as the basis for risk management
decision making. The system of setting, periodic review and updating of the standards and the
comparison of the evaluation results with those standards is an integral part of the HSE Management
System and the framework within which informed management can take place.

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4 SYSTEM DESIGN - GENERAL
4.1 Natural Ventilation

Goal
To provide adequate ventilation to any area that may require it.
Strategy
It is preferred to ventilate production areas by natural means. The adequacy of this form of ventilation
should be demonstrated by Wind Tunnel Testing and/or Computational Fluid Dynamics to ensure
adequate air flow into, within and out of modules.
To ensure sufficient air movement, (distribution), throughout a naturally ventilated module it may be
necessary to provide secondary (scouring) ventilation. Refer to Section 4.3. Modules that cannot be
adequately ventilated by natural means shall be provided with mechanical assistance, as above, or be
enclosed and provided fully with mechanical means to achieve adequate ventilation.
It is important to note that the distribution of air within an area/module is considered to be at least as
important as the quantity of air supplied. As a consequence compliance with the following basic
requirements is necessary if ventilation of an area/module by natural means alone is to be considered
adequate:
- Provision of the minimum ventilation rate throughout the area for at least 95% of the time.
- Minimum ventilation rate shall be as stated for mechanical ventilation.
Guidance
Fully open modules provide the ideal arrangement for natural ventilation. If weather protection is
required it can be provided in the form of weather louvres if cost and weight are acceptable. The
performance of weather louvres is far superior to alternative forms of weather protection. Correctly
designed and installed louvres also promote internal air circulation through good diffusion.
Alternative forms, utilising open slots or perforated sheets, may be suitable, but are unlikely to create a
good diffusion effect and they may not contribute significantly to moisture removal. Increased
resistance to airflow and diffusion may dictate the need for additional mechanical ventilation.
EN/083 provides a measurement methodology that may be used to assess the ventilation rate in
naturally ventilated modules.
4.2 Mechanical Ventilation Systems

Goal
Strategy
Mechanical Ventilation should be utilised when ventilation by natural means is unable to satisfy
requirements. Designs should endeavour, without prejudice to safety and operability, to minimise the
following:
- extent of offshore hook-up;
- topside weight;

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- space requirements;
- power requirements;
- maintenance requirements; and,
- system testing and commissioning.
The capacity of the Mechanical Ventilation System should be adequate to meet the goals and
philosophies of 2.2 and 3.
Guidance
A separate system should be arranged to serve each module/area on an installation, and be completely
within or attached to the outside of the module/area served. Systems serving more than one module/area
from a central plant should not be used.
In all process and utility areas requiring mechanical ventilation, the primary air (air change volume)
should be supplied and extracted at opposite ends of the module. Primary ventilation systems should not
be extended to achieve increase air circulation. Internal circulation and distribution may be improved
through secondary (sourcing) ventilation systems.
Equipment will normally operate continuously but there will be times when it will be idle or will
operate intermittently. The design must provide for these variations.
For those applications where no powered extract is proposed, pressure relief dampers may may be
fitted. Fuller guidance is given in Section 6.10.2.
In order to ensure the installation of an effective HVAC system consideration must be given to the
following aspects during design of Mechanical Ventilation Systems:
Effect of Wind
All equipment, duct work and supports shall be designed to withstand all structural loadings as listed in
the facilities structural design parameters established by the project.
From an operating aspect, wind may adversely affect fan performance and area pressurisation and plant
margins should be included in the design in order to ensure the requirements are met during adverse
wind conditions. Refer to Section 3.8. Powered systems must operate satisfactorily in wind conditions
varying from still air to design wind speed though the specified values will be exceeded when greater
than design wind speeds occur.
Inlets and Outlets
The potential for contamination and reverse flow through ductwork in the event of partial system failure
should be assessed and inlets separated from outlets by a distance determined by the size of the
opening, the potential flammability of exhausted air and the extract velocity. There are various
calculation methods available, e.g. in ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook, for this purpose.
Hazardous and Non-Hazardous systems may be connected by a common plenum but arrangements
should be in place to prevent possible contamination of Non-Hazardous systems caused by reverse flow
through ductwork systems in the event of partial system failure.
The distance of both Hazardous and Non-Hazardous inlets from the perimeter of a Hazardous envelope
should be maximised but should not be closer than the default value of 1.0m given in IP15.
Air from Non-Hazardous areas should be exhausted to a Non-Hazardous area. Where this is not
practical and exhaust is to a Hazardous area, the Non-Hazardous area should be pressurised to maintain
the Non-Hazardous classification.
Air intakes and outlets from the various systems should be protected from wind driven rain and snow
entering the plant. Refer to Section 6.2.

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4.3 Secondary Ventilation Systems

Goal
To provide a system to supplement natural or mechanical ventilation when the distribution of air is not
adequate.
Strategy
Secondary Ventilation may be provided as complimentary to Mechanical or Natural Ventilation.

Secondary (scouring) ventilation systems should be provided, where the air distribution from primary
ductwork cannot be demonstrated to be adequate. If secondary ventilation systems are provided the
design should ensure good air distribution and circulation between primary supply and extract points.
Secondary systems may also be required within naturally ventilated areas to ensure good internal air
distribution and circulation.
The function of the secondary (scouring) air system is:

• To purge dead spots formed by structural steelwork, decking plates, sumps and equipment etc;
• To assist the dilution of fugitive hydrocarbon emissions and dissipation of internal heat gains;
• To assist in providing uniform ventilation throughout mechanical and naturally ventilated

modules/areas.
Guidance
Secondary systems should induce air distribution and circulation through discharge of recirculated air
through high velocity nozzles. Typically 10% to 15% of the primary air volume would be handled by
secondary ventilation serving an entire module. Each system should comprise recirculating fan unit(s)
complete with high velocity distributing ductwork incorporating a series of fixed and/or flexible 'Jet
Type' nozzles.
Partial secondary ventilation may be adequate where primary mechanical or natural ventilation also
promotes a degree of internal air distribution and circulation.
On new designs a secondary system can often have advantages when compared to traditional
(essentially primary) systems with respect to efficiency, cost, weight, space and ease of
design/installation.
There are two methods in which high velocity secondary systems can be used:
1) By inducing the room air to sweep the entire area in a predetermined direction and in the process
dilute and entrain any hydrocarbon or noxious gas that may be present, and/or high temperature
air.
2) By creating localised areas of high turbulence around plant and equipment that has been identified
as a potential leak source for hydrocarbon or noxious gas, or in areas of potential accumulation;
drain gullies or ceiling beam spaces, in order to move any accumulations into the general room air
stream.
The design should comprise a system of high velocity ductwork, connected to a matrix of supply
nozzles fed by a fan located within the module. The principle of the design is to supply the air at high
velocities imparting high energy levels to small volumes of air to achieve long axial throws and high
induction ratios due to drag and shearing with the room air.
The distribution layout should be designed on a unitary basis, with several small fan sets being used in
preference to one large single unit. By adopting this concept main distribution ductwork will be
restricted to a relatively small sizes and installation will be simplified. When using multiple fan skids it
is not envisaged that duplex fans need be supplied, provided the distribution system has a degree of

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redundancy built into the design by interlacing the system supply patterns.
System design should be based on the following equipment items and layout criteria:
Ductwork
All ductwork should be of circular section. Ductwork should be designed as a distributed high velocity
system, feeding a matrix of high velocity outlet nozzles of sufficient number to produce the required air
distribution pattern. Where the exact location of equipment and distributed services is known the
nozzles may be of the fixed type. In the event that there is some doubt about the effectiveness of the
selected outlet location, nozzles can be connected to the ductwork via corrugated bendable ductwork to
facilitate final adjustment of the discharge direction. As this flexible design is susceptible to
unauthorised site adjustment this option should only be used as a last resort. As an alternative, two
closed coupled 90° bends may be used as these provide the same degree of directional variation whilst
having the advantage of being able to fix the discharge angle simply by tightening up the joint
couplings. The primary supply duct should be connected directly to the fan discharge, rather than via a
plenum box which creates high static pressure losses and can lead to the creation of unwanted noise.
The distribution system should be designed as self balancing with minimal use made of dampers.
Fan Skid
The fan skid should comprise a centrifugal fan unit mounted on a skid base. This unit should be floor
mounted where possible for ease of maintenance and installation.
Sound Attenuators
Where possible the fan should be sized to minimise noise generation by keeping rotational speeds and
discharge/inlet velocities to a minimum. Where it is not possible to achieve the required noise criteria
then attenuators must be provided on both the inlet and outlet of the fan. Under these circumstances
ductwork connections between the fan and the attenuator may have to be increased in thickness to
prevent noise breakout.
Filters
Under normal circumstances filters will not be required on secondary systems unless the concentration
of contamination local to the fan inlet exceeds the module background level, or the contamination is
likely to build up inside the system and reduce its performance. Hybrid systems that introduce fresh air
should include filters as stated in Section 6.3.

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5 SYSTEM DESIGN - AREA SPECIFIC
5.1 Process and Utilities Areas
5.1.1 Mechanically Ventilated Hazardous Areas
Goal
Strategy
Systems provided for Hazardous areas should be entirely separate from those serving LQ areas. The
system design should include fan powered supply plant which draws 100% outside air from a Non-
Hazardous area and supplies it to the module.
At outside maximum and minimum design temperatures, Hazardous Areas should not exceed the
temperature set in the Basis of Design. Typically, this would be a maximum temperature of around
35°C.
Air change rate requirements determined in Section 3.2 should be applied but should at any rate be
adequate to dilute fugitive hydrocarbon emissions. Reference should be made to ES/292 for a suitable
method of calculation. Any free cooling requirements for the area should also be met.
Guidance
Where a Hazardous module is adjacent and connected to a Non Hazardous module the extract
ventilation system for each enclosed Hazardous area should be fan powered to ensure the areas are not
positively pressurised. In other instances powered extract ventilation need not be supplied except where
specific removal of hydrocarbons, fumes or process heat is required.
Open and enclosed Hazardous area pressures should be dictated by local ambient conditions with no
attempt being made to control these values. However, where enclosed Hazardous areas or their
associated zones include or are abutted by any part of a Non-Hazardous area that includes a
penetration(s) which may be unsealed (ie not gas-tight) such as a door, pressure should, by design, not
exceed 0 Pa using local external ambient pressure as the reference.
5.1.2 Mechanically Ventilated Non-Hazardous Areas
Goal
Strategy
The system for each area should include a fan powered primary supply plant which draws 100% outside
air from a Non-Hazardous area. Internal air distribution and circulation may be achieved using
secondary systems. However, in uncongested areas it may be possible to provide adequate air
distribution through the primary air system.
Airflow in terms of air changes per hour for a Non Hazardous area should be adequate to meet the
pressurisation requirements, where required, and free cooling and personnel needs. Specific extract
requirements eg fume cupboards, welding benches/booths etc, may also require consideration.
Guidance
Heating, where provided, should be from a heater battery located in the supply ductwork. (Refer to
Section 6.4). It may be necessary for a number of heaters to be provided for separate compartments, or

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for zones where varying conditions are required.
The preferred method of cooling is by Free Cooling and other methods may be adopted only when this
means is impractical. It is accepted that space temperatures may go above design maximum for short
periods during peak summer outside conditions. Designs should ensure that adequate ventilation air is
provided to control heat gains from equipment and heat transmitted through the walls of the space(s)
served.

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5.2 Living Quarters

Goal
To provide a controlled environment for the welfare of personnel
Strategy
HVAC systems should be designed to maintain internal temperatures defined in Section 3.6.2 at outside
maximum and minimum temperatures and taking into account heat gain from lighting, personnel and
other sources. During periods in summer or winter, when outside conditions exceed the maximum and
minimum design values, it is accepted that the inside temperature may not be to specification.
All areas should be served by fan operated supply and extract systems designed to meet the
environmental basis of design. The main supply, extract/recirculation and cooling plant should be
located in a plantroom. The dedicated extract system fans should be located within the plantroom, or
external to the LQ in readily accessible and unobstructed positions for ease of maintenance. Fans should
not be mounted in ceiling voids. Laundry extract fans may be located externally but local to the laundry.
Ventilation rates (in terms of air changes per hour) should be established from heating or cooling fresh
air requirements and the need for pressurisation. As a default condition, a minimum of 8.4 litres/s fresh
air per person should be supplied to each occupied space.
When determining air change rates for Galley and Laundry areas adequate consideration must be given
to cooling load requirements imposed by the equipment and the efficiency of extract hoods.
The Galley system should be designed to induce a flow of air from the dining room and across the
servery area to the galley in order to prevent cooking odours entering the dining room. Alternatively, an
air curtain may be provided around individual items of equipment, such as fryers, to improve the local
working environment. Boost supply and exhaust systems in addition to normal systems may be
considered for the peak heat loads in the Galley, so that excessive loss of conditioned air is avoided.
Pressurisation
The LQ, which is assumed to be located in a Non-Hazardous area, should be pressurised whithin the
range 25Pa to 65Pa with respect to outside atmosphere at the design wind speed. This pressurisation
should not be exceeded for reasons of personal comfort.
Airlocks, provided to all LQ module access doors except emergency exits, should not be ventilated or
pressurised by the HVAC system.
Extract Systems
Extract ventilation systems in the LQ should be separated to serve the following areas:
If the toilet extract is not a separate system adequate protection should be in place to prevent odours
circulating through the LQ on partial or total failure.
General extract ventilation from cabins, offices, recreation areas, dining room, locker room, toilets and
corridors should be achieved through a centralised low velocity ducted system.
Dedicated extract system from the Galley and associated stores, laundry, sick bay, electronic
equipment, radio operator rooms (if fitted with gaseous extinguishing systems) and battery rooms.
Battery rooms containing low gassing batteries need not be fitted with a dedicated extract.
The dedicated extract systems should have their own fans located either within an internal plant room or
external to the LQ module discharging the exhaust air to atmosphere.
Supply Systems

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The main supply for all areas listed below should comprise a high velocity single duct terminal re-heat
system with individual temperature control to the separate areas:
- cabins;
- public areas;
- emergency areas;
- galley.
In order to prevent excessive use of air conditioned air from the main supply system, it is acceptable for
up to 70% of galley air to be introduced directly to the area from a dedicated galley supply system using
fresh air.
Consideration must be given to the magnitude of air leakage from pressurised modules, particularly in
the refurbishment of existing modules. EN/066 gives details of calculation methods for LQs modules
but it should be noted that leakage rates of up to 5% on a steel plated module and 10% on a clad
module (referenced to 50Pa) may be measured. These figures may be exceeded on existing modules
that have not been the subject of cladding refurbishment.
Extract Systems
The main extract/recirculation ventilation system serving the cabins should also draw air via ductwork
from the locker rooms, offices, dining room, recreation areas, corridors and transit lounge.
The individual dedicated extract systems serving galley, laundry, toilets, workshops and sick bay (and
electronic equipment rooms) should exhaust air to atmosphere.
Extract openings in all areas, except the galley, should be fitted with fixed louvred grilles.
Control room floor and ceiling voids where gaseous extinguishant may be injected should have a
national 6 air changes per hour to assist purging after release.
Supply Systems
The main supply system(s) should be either a fixed 100% fresh air plant, or a fresh air/recirculated air
plant with automatic temperature controlled changeover from full fresh air to part recirculation. The
plant should be provided with a two stage filter/coalescer to collect dirt, moisture and salt aerosols and
a main air handling unit, (refer to Section 6.3 for technical details).
The supply should be a ducted system connecting to constant volume control valves and terminal reheat
boxes serving individually temperature controlled areas. Air may be supplied to the galley via high
velocity nozzles, with supplies to all remaining areas via adjustable ceiling diffusers.
Heating, Cooling and Humidification (see also Sections 6.4 and 6.5 for technical details)
A heater battery should be located in the main air handling unit. It should be capable of raising the
supply air to the required design supply temperature.
Where general cooling by refrigeration cannot be avoided the cooling coil or evaporator should be
located in the main plant (AHU). It should be capable of lowering the temperature and reducing the
moisture content of the supply air. Cooling coils and evaporators should be supplied with cooling
medium from a dedicated refrigeration plant located within the HVAC plant room.
Humidification should be provided as required to meet the design conditions detailed in Section 3.6.
Transfer Grilles
Transfer grilles should only be provided in toilets since the objective is not to transfer air from cabins
into corridors. All corridors and staircases should be positively pressurised in comparison with adjacent
areas to assist in maintaining smoke free escape routes.

Standard EA/001
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Galley Systems
Supply ductwork to the galley should be connected to the main supply duct outside the galley
boundaries. Supply ducting to other areas should not be taken through the galley areas.
The Galley should be provided with canopies or hoods over all cooking equipment, these should be
fitted with cleanable grease filters and suitable drainage. Provision should be made for fire detection
and protection in the hoods, exhaust ductwork and fat fryer systems as per local regulations, NFPA 96,
or similar standard.
Exhaust canopies or hoods should also be installed over dishwashers and other steam producing items
of equipment.
A fire/gas damper should be fitted at each extract connection to a Galley cooking equipment hood or
canopy in addition to dampers at fire barriers. These dampers to close in accordance with the
emergency shutdown logic.
Laundry Systems
Warm air clothes drying machines are a serious potential source of fire. This is primarily due to
inadequate filtration systems permitting the build up of lint, unsuitable duct design and material
selection. To minimise the risk from these systems the following design guidance should be adopted:
- Position filters as close as possible to the drying machine outlet.
- Avoid vertical duct runs.
- Avoid concealed ductwork.
- Include adequate access doors for complete system cleaning and inspection. Provide specific means
for quick removal and replacement of system components.
- Filters should be of a high capacity disposable type.
- Minimise extract duct length from laundry machine to atmosphere by positioning fans at a high level
over adjacent external walkway.
- Use 'A' rated ducts, particularly where circumstances preclude application of the design principles
stated above.
Emergency and Temporary LQ/TRs & Office Modules
Supply and extract ventilation systems as described above should be provided to achieve the required
air change rates. Mechanical supply is required to the main area to create the desired air distribution and
pressurisation and all toilet areas must be supplied with mechanical extract.
In these modules air should not be recirculated. Humidity control and cooling may not be required.
Heating, if required, should be provided from a duct mounted electric heater battery to meet the
requirements of Section 6.4.
Internal pressurisation should be provided to suit the classification of the area in which the module is
situated. Pressures should always be positive with respect to atmosphere with toilet areas having a lower
pressure than the general area selected value.
Duplication of HVAC plant is not necessary. The HVAC systems should be installed such that module
fire barrier integrity is not compromised.
It is usually convenient and cost effective to install the HVAC plant on the roof but maintenance access
should nonetheless be provided.

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5.3 Drilling and Drilling Utilities Areas

Goal
Strategy
COSHH Regulations requiring the control of dust and noxious substances in Drilling areas will usually
require the installation of Local Extract Ventilation, LEV, which should be discharged in a suitable area
where it will not affect personnel.
Shale Shaker and Mud Tank Areas/Modules will of necessity require outside air supply to meet the
extract air requirements of the tanks and shakers. Under normal circumstances these requirements will
be met by a powered supply system to provide adequate air distribution to the general space. The
exception to this requirement is where the modules are of a semi-open nature where air can be drawn in
through a variety of openings. Under these circumstances natural ventilation can be used for make-up
air.
These areas should be subject to an air change rate determined by the air quantity required for the Mud
Tanks and Shale Shakers enclosure extract fumes, heat load etc.
Guidance
Due to the nature of the HVAC systems in these areas component and equipment should be provided
with access to cleaning and maintenance.
Shale Shakers and Cuttings Cleaning Units
Shale Shakers and associated drainage troughs should be fully enclosed to ensure capture of fumes at
source by extract ventilation, thereby preventing unnecessary unit operator exposure. Enclosures should
form an integral part of the Shale Shaker Unit supplied by the vendor. Where enclosures are fitted due
consideration should be given to the need for ease of access for replacement of the filter screens and
maintenance requirements. These considerations will dictate enclosure design and are likely to confirm
the need for an openable front with removable/hinged side leaves.
Shale Shaker enclosures should be designed so that air velocities through openings, from room to
enclosure, are such as to ensure complete capture of emitted airborne contaminants. Velocities of air in
exhaust ducts, upstream of scrubbing units, should also be such as to ensure optimum transportation of
contaminants with minimum drop-out
Cutting cleaning units should be provided with extract enclosures and ventilation similar to that for
shale shaker units.
Mud Tanks
Although during the initial design phase some mud tanks may be designated as storage only, (inactive),
experience has shown that all mud tanks are likely to contain hydrocarbon bearing liquid, (active), at
some stage during the life of the platform. All tanks should, therefore, be assumed to be active and
should be ventilated accordingly.
Tanks should have solid plated covers with minimum penetration for pipework, agitator shafts, valve
handles, instrument entries and inspection/access hatches. The void between the covers and mud surface
should be constantly purged with ventilation of the entire freeboard. A negative pressure should be
achieved within the freeboard space by an imbalance between supply air entering the void through
leakage paths in the cover plate and the extract air ducted system. Precise control of this pressure is not
a requirement of the system design. Tanks that are adjacent may be ventilated by a common system, if
practicable. Extract ductwork should be connected directly to the covers with make-up air being drawn
through the previously mentioned penetrations or through supplementary air entry slots. Consideration
should be given to provide local low level extract hoods over mud gutters, to remove any contaminants

Standard EA/001
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that may be discharged.
Mud Tank enclosures should be designed so that air velocities through openings, from room to
enclosure, are such as to ensure complete capture of emitted airborne contaminants. Velocities of air in
exhaust ducts, upstream of scrubbing units, should also be such as to ensure optimum transportation of
contaminants with minimum drop-out.
Air Scrubbers (See also Section 6.13)
Air scrubber units, in the form of integrated air washers and plenum settlement chambers, should be
supplied on all extract ventilation systems serving mud tanks and shale shakers to minimise the
discharge of mud particles to atmosphere. High efficiency filtration equipment may be considered as an
alternative. These Scrubbers should be fitted as close as possible to the extract enclosure take-off points
to minimise in-duct contamination from mud slurry deposits. Ductwork between take-off point and
scrubber should preferably be of circular section and shall be designed for easy disassembly for
cleaning. Circular sections are also favoured for the remaining ductwork for ease of internal cleaning.
Ducts should be fitted with maximum sized access doors at each change of direction and in long duct
runs. All ductwork must be run to fall either back to the scrubber, the mud tank or shale shaker or, if
this is not possible, provided with large bore drain pipes at all low points. These precautions are
required to ensure that water slurry does not collect in the duct sections. It is appreciated that in existing
facilities optimum HVAC equipment configuration may not be possible due to physical constraints.
Cement Units
If the drilling cement unit doubles as part of the Installation Well Kill system, its diesel engine, where
installed, should be arranged to operate in an emergency. In this case HVAC services should be
provided as described for the diesel fire pump (See Section 5.5).

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5.4 Gas Turbine Enclosures

Goal
Strategy
Enclosures for gas turbines should be ventilated to remove heat from machinery and to dilute
flammable gas. The air supply should be taken from a Non-Hazardous area, either internally or
externally.
If the area around the turbine hood is classified as Non-Hazardous the hood ventilation system should
be arranged so that a negative pressure of 50Pa is maintained inside the hood with respect to outside the
hood. This enables an enclosed turbine room to be classified as Non-Hazardous even though the turbine
hood enclosure is classified as Hazardous. This differential pressure may be the combined effect of the
underpressure inside the turbine hood and the overpressure in the turbine room.
If the area outside the turbine hood is classified as Hazardous the design philosophy will change, as it is
then dependent on the location of the potential ignition sources and the rating of the Hazardous area.
(see section 5.4.2)
Personnel entry into the enclosure should be possible while the gas turbine is operating at full load even
though some manufacturers discourage the practice. The gas turbine vendor should specify and provide
details of the required air flows, pressures, heat loads, temperature limits, and any special requirements
to facilitate the design of the acoustic enclosure ventilation system. Turbines for power generation
applications should have induced draught systems and for compressor and pump drive applications,
forced draught systems.
These should:
- ensure a good air distribution within the enclosure to prevent local overheating;
- control the temperature in the enclosure to a maximum of 40ºC; or lower if required for
instrument/electrical equipment;
- maintain a gas turbine skin temperature, considering the auto-ignition temperature of the fuel in the
event of a fuel leak;
- maintain the enclosure positive or negative pressure as required.
The ventilation system should provide sufficient air changes to meet these requirements. IP15 indicates
that for dilution ventilation, sufficient to keep the internal atmosphere below 20% LEL, 90 air changes
may be considered a minimum and for adequate ventilation of a Zone 2 enclosure 12 air changesare
required. Enclosure ventilation, including pre-purging, should otherwise meet the requirements of a
recognised standard, such as VERITEC Recommended Practice RP C102, or similar.
All materials and equipment within the enclosure should be able to withstand the increase in
temperature which would occur on loss of the cooling fans, provided that the turbine has been shut
down and the fuel supply has been shut off. Electrical wiring, junction boxes, and instrumentation etc
should be certified to withstand temperatures under these conditions otherwise provision should be
made for cooldown ventilation. Where this is provided, it should be configured such that the cause of
loss of the normal cooling fans eg gas at the ventilation air inlets, would be unlikely to preclude the use
of the cooldown system.
Guidance
Inlet Air Filtration
Ventilation air may be sourced through the turbine combustion air inlet filter. Where filtered separately
from the turbine combustion air the ventilating air should either be:

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- filtered in accordance with the recommendation of Section 6.3 using a stage-1 filter coalescer and a
Stage-2 vane type moisture eliminator; or
- a separate system may be provided using the same filter elements as the combustion air filter.
The separate filtration system should achieve a minimum average synthetic dust weight arrestance
efficiency of 95% as defined by BS EN 779: 1993, or a similar standard, and should reduce the salt in
air content of the inlet air to 0.05ppm (by weight) or below
Ductwork
The ductwork specification should maintain the acoustic performance of the enclosure and should be in
accordance with the recommendations given in Section 6.8.
Sound Attenuators
Ventilation air intake and outlet ducts should be fitted with sound attenuators to reduce noise levels to
the specified level. They should be constructed of Type 316 Stainless Steel and in accordance with the
recommendations given in Section 6.7.
Fans
When the acoustic enclosure is situated in a Hazardous area it should be ventilated in such a way as to
establish a positive pressure of at least 50Pa with respect to the surrounding areas. When the enclosure
is situated in a Non-Hazardous area it should be ventilated in such a way as to establish a negative
pressure of at least 50Pa with respect to the surrounding plant.
A pressure switch should be installed in order to give an alarm, both locally and in the ICC, if the
differential pressure across the hood drops below 50Pa. It should be provided with a timer so that it
gives an alarm only after 10 seconds loss of pressurisation.
The fans should be located in the outlet duct and meet the required pressure conditions in all reasonably
foreseeable conditions. The orientation of the inlet and exhaust of the system should be such that the
effects upon fan sizing are minimised. Fans should be specified so that the fan curve shape is such as to
allow the ventilation requirements to be met within the reasonably foreseeable variation of head across
the fan. Mixed flow fans are usually preferred for this duty.
Adequate standby capacity should be provided for each fan unless it can be demonstrated that a
ventilation outage can be tolerated for the duration of the likely repairs. Duty/standby fans should be
provided with a duty/standby/off manual selection switch on the main turbine control panel and should
be arranged for auto-start-up of the standby on failure of the duty fan and/or high enclosure (alarm)
temperature level. Local start/stop push buttons should also be provided adjacent to the fans. Failure of
the standby unit should initiate a turbine shutdown.
The ventilation fans should be fed from a power source other than the generator being served. When
specified for black start, or other reasons, it should be possible to energise adequate ventilation by an
alternative source, eg emergency (DC) supply.
Motors should be suitable for Zone 1 operation, belt driven and mounted in a position that provides
ready access for maintenance or replacement with motors located out of the air stream. Belts should be
matched sets, anti-static and areas of potential metal to metal rubbing contact fitted with non-sparking
guards.
The fans should be suitable for operation with the high temperature extract air in this service.
Dampers
Fire/gas dampers should be fitted to the inlet and outlet ducts at a point close to the enclosure/duct
interface to ensure enclosure integrity in an emergency.
The dampers should be interlocked with the fan starter motor circuit to provide protection against
inadvertent fan/turbine start-up whilst closed.

Standard EA/001
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The dampers should be of the multi-blade type having either parallel or opposed blade action, and
should be constructed from Type 316 Stainless Steel. The design should be such that the maximum
allowable leakage rates are not exceeded when shut and this performance is achieved without the use of
separate sealing strips attached to the blade edges.

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5.5 Emergency Plant Ventilation

Goal
To provide adequate ventilation to equipment that may be required to operate in an emergency under
the conditions that may be present at the time.
Strategy
Where firepumps and/or Emergency Generators are enclosed in fire rated compartments, during normal
platform operation, ie diesel system not running, the HVAC "normal running" systems should supply air
to the compartment at a minimum rate to meet the requirements specified in the environmental
conditions Basis of Design (see Section 3.6), and should maintain a positive minimum pressure of 50Pa
where required.
Extract ventilation should be via louvred pressure relief outlets to atmosphere. If extract outlets are
extended by ductwork such that the resultant back pressure exceeds the internal design pressure for the
space, powered extract will be necessary.
Rates of ventilation must account for residual heat dissipation immediately following engine shutdown.
Guidance
When diesel engines are in operation the engine air required for engine cooling and combustion may be
provided by a system that forms part of the diesel package and is separate from the normal HVAC
system. In this event the fire/gas damper logic should be fully integrated with that of the room system.
These separate systems should generally form part of the Emergency Supply and/or Firepump Plant
package(s) and should be powered from the engine(s). However, the HVAC design may be required to
include, outwith the package supply, engine cooling air inlets with fire/gas dampers interlocked with the
engine operation.
Whilst the engines are not running, normal fire damper logic will apply ie close on either manual or fire
and gas shutdown signal. However, in the case of a fire when the engine is running, the fire damper will
only shut when the last resort device is activated ie azeotropic tube is ruptured.

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5.6 Ancillary Areas
5.6.1 Battery and Charger Rooms
Goal
Strategy
The battery system must be analysed to evaluate the extent of noxious or flammable products produced.
The selected airchange rate will be based on the required dilution rate or heat removal. Typically, the
requirements for open lead acid batteries will be more onerous than for totally sealed batteries. Valve
regulated lead acid batteries are particularly sensitive to temperature and usually specified to operate in
the range 15-25°C. Temperatures lower than 15°C significantly reduce battery power, temperatures
above 25°C reduce battery life, particularly if the battery charger is not fitted with a temperature
compensation device.
Where contamination of the atmosphere is negligible and does not threaten personnel or the integrity of
the installation, a general/local HVAC system may be used as the sole means of room ventilation,
providing there is no recirculation.
Where contamination levels are deemed to be Hazardous and/or environmentally unacceptable, a

dedicated fan powered extract system should be installed with extracts from the room at high level over
the battery racks.
Guidance
Supply air should be introduced into the battery room at low level and should maintain the battery and
charger rooms at a pressure above adjacent Hazardous areas and/or below Non-Hazardous areas in
accordance with the design parameters.
The extract system should also serve the room containing the charger unit, if this is local to the battery
room, in order to remove dissipated heat. If a common system is impractical, separate supply and
extract systems should be provided for each room.
If the batteries are known to produce Hazardous levels of explosive gas during boost charging, so that
loss of extract ventilation prevents charger operation extract fans should be interlocked with the battery
charger.
5.6.2 Laboratories
Strategy
Laboratories should be provided with a fan powered extract system drawing air from the room.
Guidance
Fume cupboards should be served by dedicated powered exhaust systems. These should exhaust
directly to atmosphere with discharge terminals located to avoid personnel contact with exhaust fumes.
Recirculation type fume cupboards should not be used in order to ensure prevention of accidental
discharge of noxious fumes into areas that are likely to be occupied.
Heated and filtered powered supply air should be provided to the room as necessary to balance
exhausted air and provide the necessary pressurisation level.
5.6.3 Purge Air Systems
Strategy

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HVAC services for air supplies to components and plant requiring to be kept purged at all times shall
have outside air drawn from a Non-Hazardous source.
Guidance
Filtered and heated air shall be provided if required by the item being purged.
Standby fans should be provided in line with the sparing philosophy (see Section 3.5). Duplicate fans
should be provided with automatic changeover. Fan controls shall be integrated into the control system
of the equipment served and into the overall safety system of the Installation.
Purge air supply to equipment required to run in an emergency should be connected to an emergency
power supply.

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6 EQUIPMENT SELECTION
6.1 Introduction
This Chapter is intended to provide technical guidance that may assist in the selection of the most cost
effective component intended to be provided in an HVAC system and detailed guidance to support the
completion of project data sheets and requisitions.
Each component should be fully inspected and tested prior to despatch and inspection certificates
suitable for acceptance by the project QA issued. Validation of fabrication material "fitness for
purpose" should also be provided as noted on the data sheets with respect to operation in saliferous
atmospheres.

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6.2 Cowls and Weather Louvres
6.2.1 Functional Requirements
Intakes to all HVAC systems should be protected from adverse weather conditions by the installation of
high efficiency louvres with bird mesh screens. Exhaust from systems should be similarly treated but the
louvres may be a lower efficiency type. However, pressure relief ducts or openings should not be fitted
with louvres but should have cowls or swan necks with bird mesh on inlets and outlets to reduce
exacerbation through wind effect, of salt and other contaminant penetration of equipment components
and bearings. Cowls or swan necks, protected by bird mesh screen, may be used on inlets or outlets
where additional benefit will be realised.
The screen should be sited in a location where it may be easily cleaned or access doors provided to
enable the screens to be adequately maintained. Adequate support structures should be included where
the possibility of personnel entry exists.
6.2.2 Technical Guidance
The intake louvres should have a low air resistance with high moisture knock-out capability. The
pressure drop across the component should not exceed 100Pa. Where the louvre is intended as the
primary means of separation the performance should be in line with that given in Section 6.3 for filters
and separators. It should be demonstrably 100% efficient in removing all water droplets down to 30
microns (wet fog) at design velocity.
Natural ventilation louvres should exhibit similar performance but the air resistance should be
measurable in both directions and the water droplet efficiency should be maintained in all wind speeds
up to the design wind speed. In addition, louvres should exhibit:
• High water carrying capacity without carry-over.
Typical performance is represented by no carryover with a moisture loading of 100 l/m² and
droplets greater than 30 microns diameter.
• Low changes in performance with varying wind directions.
Typical performance efficiencies at 90° to the wind at a wind speed of 27m/s are:
30 microns - 100%
25 microns - 99.5%
20 microns - 99%
15 microns - 94%
• Even airflow distribution downstream of the louvre.
• Easy replacement of damaged vanes.
A pressure gauge and/or pressure switch wired to the control system may be fitted to indicate blockage.
Arrangements should be made for the components to be self draining with tapped outlets for connection
to a platform drainage system protected if required against freezing.

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6.3 Filters, Coalescers and Separators
The composition of the intake air should be assessed for solid particulates and moisture content since
both may have adverse effect on the longevity of downstream components and the quality of ingested
air. It is probable that a form of filter may be required to remove dust and a coalescer to remove mist
and water droplets. The two functions may be undertaken within a single component split into two parts
so that the first consists of a filter/coalescer section and the second a moisture eliminator. Consideration
should be given to the installation of filters or prefilters to reduce the intake of grit, exhausts from
temporary generators during hook-up and commissioning or temporary construction work.
In the absence of local regulations for the performance of filters there are several industry standards that
may be used for the filter element. Filters may be rated in accordance with BS EN 779 : 1993 or filter
class EU3 (G80) according to EUROVENT 4/5.
For offshore use filters should generally be constructed with an outer casing housing two separate stages
and mounted such that airflow is horizontal; Stage 1, consisting of a filter/coalescer section, and Stage 2
consisting of a vane type moisture eliminator section sited downstream of Stage 1.
Stage 1 should be further sub-divided to include:
- Type A, a panel type filter or equal; and,
- Type B, a bag type filter suitable for high filtration efficiency requirements and ventilation systems
with high anticipated dust loadings. (Downstream of type A).
The pressure drop across each Stage 1 type should not exceed 200Pa when clean, or 400Pa when dirty.
The face velocity should not exceed 4m/s or as recommended by the equipment vendor. The pressure
drop across each Stage 2 filter should not exceed 300Pa. The minimum performance of each stage
should be to a recognised standard, which may typically be as follows:
- Stage 1
Type A - 95% in accordance with BS EN 779 : 1993
Type B - 98% in accordance with EN 779 : 1993 - Synthetic dust weight arrestance
test
- Stage 2
To reduce the concentration of salt in air to 0.05ppm by weight when installed with or without
Stage 1. (Based on "NGTE 30 knot aerosol" standard entering the filter).
Whilst stages and types may be installed as separate items, the order of placement should not be varied.
Each stage or type should, in addition to the stated performance requirement, be capable of coalescing
any re-entrained water droplets that are "carried over" from upstream louvres or filters, and operate
efficiently without any excessive increase in pressure drop when subjected to sea fog, mist etc.
Filter configurations should be as follows:
Living Quarters 
ICC and areas containing 
sensitive electrical/control  Stage 1 - Types A and B
equipment.  Stage 2

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


Workshops and Stores 

Equipment Rooms  Stage 1 - Type B (or A)
Switch Rooms  Stage 2
Emergency and temporary 
LQ and offices 


Generator Rooms 
Fire Pump Rooms  Stage 2 + coalescing pads
Process Areas 
Bag type filters should be water repellent and disposable having a total length in the direction of the
airflow not exceeding 650mm.
The filter material should not migrate into the airstream. When this cannot be guaranteed a fine mesh
filter may be fitted downstream of the filter.
Engine protection filters represent a special consideration and must meet engine manufacturers
requirements.
All filter/coalescer materials should be non-toxic and non-combustible to a suitable standard such as BS
476.
A visual indication of filter cleanliness for Stage 1, or each type where used separately, should be
obtained through the installation of a dial indicating, diaphragm operated manometer calibrated in Pa.
A separate pressure differential switch may be installed to provide an electrical signal to the HVAC
control panel to indicate the dirty condition of any filter(s).
Any filter housing should be complete with a support frame designed to contain the filter element such
that bypass and leakage does not occur and to allow filter element replacement via air tight access
doors.
During occurrence of sea fog and wind driven spray the louvre and filters will collect moisture.
Arrangements should be made for the whole assembly to be self draining with tapped outlets for
connection to a platform drainage system, protected if required against frost. The drainage trap should
be sized so that no back-siphonage occurs when the differential pressure across the filter is at its
maximum design pressure.

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6.4 Space Heating and Cooling
Heating, where provided, should be from a heater battery located in the supply ductwork. Heat may be
supplied either from a suitable electric supply or the main heating medium system. In Hazardous areas
water/glycol heaters should be used and supplied directly or from a separate low pressure or low
temperature system. It may be necessary for a number of heaters to be provided for separate
compartments or for area zones where varying conditions are required.
Electric Air Heating Coils fall into three main categories:

(1) heavy cased flanged units to be used in exposed environments, also on all Ex'd' rated equipment
where a robust casing is required to support the weight of the junction box;
(2) medium cased flanged units to be used in internal environments; and,
(3) light cased flanged or spigot units to be connected to constant volume terminal units. The technical
guidance given for this category is included in Section 6.14.
Sea water heating may be used if it has been determined that there is no requirement to heat a module
above 0°C provided consideration has been given to material selection and problems of failing.
The use of sea water as a direct cooling medium through duct or AHU mounted coils is not generally
preferred due to the small air/water temperature differential and resultant extensive cooling surface area
which creates a large weight, space and cost penalty. In addition poor control characteristics prevent
maintenance of water velocities within acceptable limits required for erosion prevention. For these
reasons direct expansion, (DX), evaporators used in conjunction with a packaged refrigeration system
and using suitable zero ozone depleting potential refrigerants. Refrigerants with low ozone depleting
potential are preferred.
Whichever form of heating or cooling is chosen the equipment should be capable of satisfactory
operation in conditions likely to be encountered during service. For internal conditions this would entail
protection to IP56, if deluge is fitted.
Water/Glycol Type Heaters
Heaters should be constructed from copper tube and fins and the whole electro-tin plated after
manufacture. Casings should be made from corrosion resistant materials. Headers and return bends
should be enclosed as part of the case, but should be located out of the airstream.
Coils should be designed to be easily removable from ducts or equipment and arranged in sections as
necessary. Intermediate support plates should be provided where necessary to add rigidity to the coil.
Coils should be provided with drainage and venting facilities.
Electric Type Heaters
Coils should be capable of both continuous and intermittent operation and the design should be such as
to minimise air flow turbulence and air side static pressure loss.
Preference is given for the terminal boxes to be located on the top of the units. Where this is not
possible side mounting can be used, but under no circumstances should the boxes be located on the
bottom face of the coil casing where it is more vulnerable to water ingress. The elements should also be
mounted so they can be withdrawn whilst leaving the casing in situ.
Generally, heaters should be arranged in stages, each stage giving an even distribution over the total
cross sectional area of the air stream. A local isolating switch should be provided at the duct position,

Standard EA/001
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with lock-off facility for use when isolation for maintenance or withdrawal is necessary.
Casings should be constructed from corrosion resistant materials and flanged according to the flange
specification.
Elements should consist of sheathed black heat coils typically comprising 80/20 nickel chrome
resistance wire centred in Incoloy 800 sheaths by compressed magnesium oxide. They should be
mounted on removable plates for easy withdrawal and maintenance and attached to a terminal box
suitable for direct connection of external wiring.
Elements should have a maximum temperature rating in line with the chosen certification requirements
such as T3, as established by BASEEFA. In addition, the watt output per unit area of element surface
should be restricted to a level where the surface temperature of the element cannot exceed 150°C under
normal operating air flow conditions.
It is usually preferable for the elements to be of the hair pin design in order to restrict the duty of any
one element to a realistic value. To provide a degree of redundancy in the design, additional elements
having a capacity of not less than 10% of the design load or two elements, whichever is the greater,
should be supplied fitted as part of the coil design.
Extended contact surfaces in the form of fins should not be used on the coils.
Elements should be so designed that the length of element outside the process air stream does not heat
up above 40°C in still air conditions, when subjected to an electrical load either through conduction or
its resistive load.
Where heating elements pass through the casing they should be clamped by a compression fitting, with
the air tight integrity of the fitting being achieved by suitable gaskets.
Face velocities should not normally be less than 2.5m/s or greater than 5.0m/s except when connecting
directly to other items of plant, say in an air handling unit. However, under no circumstances should the
maximum coil surface temperature be exceeded.
Single phase power supplies should normally be restricted to 3kW with three phase supplies being used
above this value, or as stated by the data sheet. Where three phase supplies are used the number of
elements should be split to ensure the out of balance load across each phase is a not greater than 2% or
as dictated on the data sheet.
Separate terminal boxes should be used for the power supply and the safety controls circuits. When
designing large duty coils, or when the coil design is significantly influenced by the number of element
blocks dictated by a step controller then multiple terminal boxes may be required. Where multiple
terminal boxes are used, guide vanes may have to be fitted to direct the air over the elements to ensure
an even air distribution.
Where step controls are used the internal connection within the terminal box should be such that the
single or three phase connections for each step are grouped together to minimise the required run length
of the incoming power cable. The elements should also be arranged so as to minimise air temperature
variations across the face of the coil.
The connection system employed to link the element terminal pins should be such that in the event that
an element fails and there is a requirement to link up a spare element, the change can be made without
disconnecting the terminal box from the heater element or any changes to the incoming power cables.
These links should be supplied, suitably protected, with the coil for storage in the equipment stores
offshore.
Terminal boxes should be of an adequate size and shape to minimise the possibility of short circuiting
should a terminal connection become detached.
Terminal pins and element links are to be numbered in accordance with a wiring diagram provided by
the supplier.

Standard EA/001
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All internal cross connections between the elements should be completed by the vendor. Three phase
heater internal connections should be so arranged that one 3-phase cable can terminate into one terminal
box without the need for jump connections.
Incoming power cables within the terminal boxes should be fitted with heat resistant sleeves over all
cores. Terminations of the incoming power cable should be screw clamp/pressure or plate type
terminals for cables with cores up to and including 4 sq mm CSA. For cores greater than 4 sq mm CSA
tinned copper crimped compression lugs should be used for each core. Connections in the terminal
boxes should be suitably designed to cater for these connections.
Ex'd' connection boxes should be drilled for the required gland connections suitably sized for the cables
to be used. Not less than two spare sealed gland connections should be supplied on each terminal box.
Any spare or unused cable entry holes should be suitably sealed.
Ex'e' and Non-Hazardous area connection boxes should be supplied with a removable pre-drilled gland
plates, adequately sized and located to ensure ease of installation of suitably rated cable glands and the
termination of all cable cores.
All heaters should be fitted with both 'high air temperature' and 'high element surface temperature'
thermal cut-outs, each with automatic reset. Flameproof types should be fitted in Hazardous areas.
Either thermocouples or resistance temperature devices should be used to protect the elements from
over heating.
Each heater bank should be protected, by one over-temperature device. This detector should be
clamped to the element at a point where it is anticipated that the highest temperature of the element will
occur. On three phase heating coils each bank of elements connected to a phase will be fitted with an
over temperature device. On step controlled heating coils the over temperature device must be
connected to the lead bank of elements.
Where design restrictions necessitate the use of more than one terminal box on heating coil, each bank
of elements should be protected as though they were a single coil. Additionally, a high air temperature
device should be fitted on the down stream side of the elements. This device should be set to trip at
around 175°C.
Heaters should be designed to be free from moisture traps with all parts easily accessible for cleaning
and inspection. Under exceptional circumstances drain traps may have to be incorporated. Should this
be the case, traps should be of adequate depth to retain seals against the full static head pressure of the
fan, and of such a diameter as to prevent clogging from salt solidification.
Unit Heaters
Unit heaters should be of the heavy duty industrial type, and should use electricity (black heat only) or
water/glycol as the heating medium.
Fans may be of the direct driven axial or propeller type. An inlet wire protection guard should be fitted.
Units should recirculate air only and should not introduce outside air.
Motors and electrics, including controls and safety devices, must be suitable for the area classification
for their location.
The outlet from the unit heater should be fitted with horizontal adjustable louvre blades to provide
approximately 160° deflection from near vertically upward to near vertically downward. These blades
should be of robust construction, and provided with blade locking device. The blades should not be
interlinked.
Sea Water Cooling Coils
Sea water cooling coils should be constructed from titanium header and tubes. Casings should be made
from corrosion resistant materials. Headers and return bends should be enclosed as part of the case, but
should be located out of the air stream.

Standard EA/001
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Coils should be designed to be easily removable from ducts or equipment and arranged in sections as
necessary. Intermediate support plates should be provided where necessary to add rigidity to the coil.
Coils should be provided with easily accessible drainage and venting facilities.
DX Evaporator Type
This type of machine traditionally used R22 as a refrigerant. Production of R22 is being phased out by
2015 and any new equipment should therefore be specified with a less environmentally harmful
refrigerant, such as R407C, R410A or G2032.
The refrigeration system should be designed to maintain the required internal environmental conditions
within specified limits when it has been proven that free cooling from the fresh air supply system is
unable to meet these needs. It should operate as part of an HVAC system in conjunction with an air
handling unit and should be governed by the HVAC control system.
The refrigeration system should be suitable for continuous full load operations and complete with
integral automatic capacity control to maintain the desired unit capacity at all times from no-load to
100% duty. Hot gas bypass should only be used if it is not possible to achieve 100% turn down through
the use of the compressor unloading facilities.
The refrigeration package should be capable of both continuous and intermittent duty with long idle
periods. For both applications facilities should be provided to ensure the maintenance demands are kept
to a minimum.
Every effort should be made to ensure the equipment purchased is the manufacturers standard product.
This will greatly reduce the purchase cost, HVAC design and discipline interface costs over a
customised unit. To achieve the greatest commercial flexibility the equipment should be located in a
Non-Hazardous area, fed from a non secured electrical supply, ensuring isolation in the event that a
hazard is detected. This will permit the use of non Ex(d) rated equipment permitting a far wider range
of compressor types and electrical components to be selected.
The controls used should be standard refrigeration industrial quality components.
Coils shall be constructed from seamless deoxidized copper tubes and fins and the whole electro-tin
plated after manufacture. Refrigerant distributors shall also be seamless deoxidized copper tube
designed to ensure an equal flow of refrigerant to each tube. Casings should be made from Type 316
Stainless Steel and flanged to allow coil removal with minimum pipework disturbance.
Return (suction) connections should be fitted with a copper header designed to ensure complete
drainage of any oil in the coil. Headers should be mounted within the casing with only one penetration
of the casing per refrigerant circuit.
Where required to operate with duplicate compressors, coils should be arranged for independent
refrigerant circuits by face interlaced circuits within a single coil.
Each coil casing should incorporate a welded full coil depth insulated Type 316 Stainless Steel drain
tray, complete with minimum 20mm drain tapping and manometric trap. Where coils are mounted in
AHUs the drain tray should be incorporated in the AHU and not be a part of the coil frame.
Coils should be selected to avoid moisture carry-over into the airstream without the use of eliminator
plates, and the face velocity should not exceed around 2.3m/s. Where this is not practical a moisture
eliminator section should be installed downstream of the coil. The eliminator section should be
complete with a drain tray with minimum 20mm drain tapping and trap, and the whole fabricated from
Type 316 Stainless Steel.
Air should be prevented from by-passing the coil. All coil case connections or penetrations should be
fully sealed.
Coils should be provided with drainage and venting facilities.

Standard EA/001
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Either open, semi hermetic or hermetic compressors may be used providing the electrical equipment
complies with the classification of the area in which it is located. Reciprocating, scroll and screw
compressors are equally acceptable. The duty range for each of these compressor types would typically
be:
Reciprocating
By the use of multiple units and cylinder unloading the full range of duties likely to be encountered
offshore can be met by this machine type.
Scroll
With the present stage of development, these units can be selected within the capacity design range
10kW to approximately 160kW.
Screw
This machine is normally selected for large refrigeration capacities in excess of 160kW.
Under normal circumstances preference is shown for the use of sea water cooled condensing units as
they can form an integral part of the compressor skid and need not be subjected to any special
Hazardous zone electrical requirements. Cooling water for these units normally would come from the
service sea water supply, however in the event that there is a need to run the refrigeration during a
Hazardous shutdown situation, say in a control room or muster area, then it may be desirable to take the
water feed from the deluge secure supply.
Air cooled condensers can be supplied for any duty likely to be required, however for duties above
160kW the units tend to become unacceptably large and consequently their use for larger duties is
discouraged. These units should be rated as a minimum for a Zone 2 area.
Where possible noise levels should be limited to 80dBA at 1 metre away from the unit in areas where
personnel are in continual exposure, or as stated on the data sheet, whichever is the most onerous.
Resilient mountings should be selected to provide not less than 95% isolation of all frequencies
transmitted to the supporting structure.
Where Air Cooled Condensers are used, fan outlets and possibly inlets should be fitted with flexible
connections to provide not less than 99% isolation in all frequency bands from the connected
components or duct spools.
6.4.3 Inspection and Testing
Each complete coil should be inspected and tested to verify its design performance. The tests should
include, but not be limited to:
- kW loading by ohm meter;
- insulation resistance (no less than 2 Megohm);
- flash test (2 x line voltage + 1000V for 1 minute to check insulation resistance);
- function test to determine satisfactory operation of high temperature devices; and,
- static pressure drop.

Standard EA/001
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6.5 Humidification
Humidifiers are required to discharge the steam into a ducted airstream in order to control the air
humidity in the rooms served. In the majority of cases the equipment will be located within a plantroom
in a protected environment and will serve to control the humidity in normally manned areas such as
Living Quarter Modules and Control Rooms.
Humidifiers should be of the electrically operated resistance element type or the electrode boiler type.
The use of ultrasonic or compressed air humidifiers is not generally preferred due to the requirement for
additional heating to offset the evaporative cooling effect, the loss of steam sterilisation, the additional
water filter maintenance and the additional requirement for compressed air.
Humidifiers should generate fresh, odourless and sterile steam from the platform's water system. Each
unit should be a complete package which includes all necessary internal safety devices, and suitable for
control by the air conditioning control system. Fluctuations in the internal duct pressure should not
affect humidifier operation.
Each humidifier should be a self contained packaged unit with all components mounted on a fabricated
steel chassis insulated and totally enclosed in steel sheet cladding. All internal parts handling water,
steam or air should be constructed of stainless steel. The injection ducts should be of stainless steel.
The following interfaces will be available to each Humidifier:
• Electricity supply - according to that available on the installation
• Water supply - potable, treated or demineralised
• Overflow connection - to 'open' flow drains
• Drain/flush connection - to 'open' flow drains
• Control signal - output from HVAC control system
• Ducted air stream - supply air stream to be humidified
Humidifiers should be suitable for thyristor/step control by a modulating humidistat positioned within
the main extract air duct sending a signal to the controller. On high humidity detection the humidistat
should isolate the power supply to the humidifier. An interlock should be fitted to ensure the humidifier
will not operate if the fan is shut down.
Resistant Element Type
Cold Water Tank
The cold water tank should be formed from stainless steel to a suitable standard, such as
BS 1449 Part 2, fully welded with a stainless steel screw-on lid and openings provided for cold water
inlet, feed/overflow, pressure equalisation pipe and water level "sight tube". Alternative materials may
be used providing they are at least equal in performance to stainless steel.
A water level gauge should be connected to the cold water tank and calibrated to indicate the water
level in the tank from minimum to maximum capacity. It should be mounted externally to the casing in
an accessible position for visual readings.
An equilibrium type float valve should be fitted to the tank with discharge above the normal water level

Standard EA/001
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within the tank to prevent back-siphonage.
A float switch or level switches should be provided and wired in series with the hand reset safety
thermostat to prevent the immersion heater(s) becoming live in the event of low or no water.
Steaming Chamber
The steaming chamber should be constructed of copper sheet to a suitable standard, such as
BS 2870/C106. All seams should be continuously welded and be of adequate thickness and construction
for temperatures and pressures attained during the steaming process.
Detachable baffles of copper sheet to the same construction standard as the chamber should be fitted
within the chamber.
The chamber assembly should be provided with openings for cold water inlet, steam outlet, drain and
have a bolted top access cover easily removable for maintenance and inspection of the immersion
heater tank. All pipework connections, ie cold water inlet and drains should comply with a suitable
specification, such as BS 21.
The steaming chamber should be thermally insulated with pre-formed panels which are non-migratory,
non-hygroscopic, non-toxic and non flammable.
Flushing frequencies should be advised by the manufacturer after consideration of the water quality to
be provided and the unit factory pre-set to the correct automatic flush down intervals.
Immersion Heaters
Immersion heater banks should contain heating elements and one pilot heater element brazed into an
electroplated copper plate. The pilot heater is to maintain a steaming chamber water temperature of
70°C to enable rapid response to equipment duty demands and to maintain the water temperature above
the Legionella bacteria survivability threshold.
Elements should be of nickel chrome resistance wire type, insulated with compressed magnesium oxide
powder, encased in Incalloy 825 sheathing. The elements should be suitable for step control and the
neutral connections wired back to a neutral block.
Two thermostat pockets should be fitted to the immersion heater plate. A low water cut out thermostat
to control the heater banks and a thermostat for pilot heater control should be secured into these
pockets.
Controls and Wiring
The humidifier should be supplied complete with low water hand reset thermostat, pilot heater with
thermostat indicator lamps for unit "on" and unit "overload", control fuse, terminal blocks and neutral
link. These components should be mounted within the integral electrical compartment of the humidifier
and pre-wired to a terminal block for connection of incoming mains and external control circuits.
Humidifiers should be fitted with an automatic time controlled flush-down set comprising timer with
manual/off/auto switch, flush down valves, solenoid valve, anti-siphon device and inter-connecting
pipework.
The following items should be fitted to a control mounting plate:

• Incoming terminal block for power and safety control circuits.
• Neutral block for internal controls.
• 5 Amp cartridge fuse holder for the internal control circuit.
• Normal operation/drain manual change over switch.
• Safety cut-out contactors.

Standard EA/001
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• Cam timer.
• Relays with volt-free contacts (normally open, closed when energised) to give remote indication of
operating condition.
Power connections between the incoming terminal block, safety cut-out contactors and the immersion
heater terminals should be pre-wired in a minimum of 2.5mm2 cable to a suitable standard such as
BS 6231. Control connections between the 5 amp fuse holder, change-over switch, contactor coils, cam
timer, thermostats and pilot heater should be pre-wired in 0.75mm2 cable to the same standard.
Electrode Boiler Type
Steam Chamber
The steam chamber contains the electrode heating elements and should be constructed from
polypropylene with glass fibre reinforcement to a suitable standard such as BS 5139 / BS 4994. If the
chamber is constructed in two halves the centre gasket should be non flammable.
The steam chamber should be easily removable to facilitate replacement and maintenance.
The steam chamber should have outlets for the exiting sterile steam and water supply and drain. The
flushing and filling of the steam chamber should be automatically monitored and controlled.
Controls and Wiring
The humidifier should be supplied complete with high water level indicator lamp, a red high current
lamp and power on light. These should be displayed on the front of the humidifier for easy access and
be alongside a power on/off button.
The following items should be fitted within the electrical compartment:
• Incoming terminal block for power and safety control circuits.
• Neutral block for internal controls.
• Normal operation/drain manual changeover switch.
• Safety cut-out contactors.
• Relays with volt-free contacts (normally open, closed when energised) to give remote indication of
operating condition.
• Single pole Mains Circuit Breaker installed to protect internal control circuits.
Power connection between the incoming terminal block, safety cut-out contactors and electrodes should
be pre-wired in a minimum of 2.5mm2 cable to a suitable standard, such as BS 6231.
Steam Injection Duct
The injection duct should be constructed from a suitable material, such as stainless steel to
BS 1449 Part 2, and be flanged with connections to the steam chamber.
The steam injection duct may be positioned downstream of the fan (positively pressurised) or upstream
of the fan (negatively pressurised).

Standard EA/001
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6.6 Fans
Fans should meet the following requirements:

• The duty point should be selected to maintain optimum efficiency for the selected design duty
point.
• Have non over-loading characteristics for the design operating limits.
• Have non stalling characteristics for the design operating limits.
• They shall be suitable for continuous running.
Both mixed flow and backward curved fans are deemed to be able to meet these requirements when
correctly selected.
Mixed flow fan impellers should be of the type where the impeller blade extends over the curved part of
the flow path causing the air to enter axially turning outwards through an angle which is greater than
30° and less than 75° to the impeller axis.
Centrifugal fan impellers should be backward curved single skin or exceptionally aerofoil section. The
fan impeller should be mounted in a convolute section casing which should have inlet(s) on the side and
discharge in the direction as dictated by the data sheet.
Fan selections should not be made at excessive speeds towards the upper limit of the unit's operating
range, as this creates excessive noise and imposes undesirable loads on bearings drive units and
impellers. If there is no alternative but to operate in this range the system resistance should be reduced
by improved design.
Where a duty is required other than the selected duty point, Inlet Guide Vanes may be used to impart a
controlled amount of swirl entering the impeller to alter the pressure volume characteristic and reduce
the power at part load operation. Inlet guide vanes, where installed, should be suitable for remote
pneumatic operation and be of the radial blade type. Each blade shall be capable of rotating about its
own axis and fixed to an outer ring to enable the blades to operate in unison. The casing should be of
the same material having a thickness not less than the fan casing. The blades should be strong enough to
prevent distortion during all fan operating conditions throughout the fans air volume and pressure
range.
Where the fans impellers are belt driven the belt profiles should be continuous vee-configuration
running in multi grooved pulleys. Not less than two belts shall be provided per drive train. Trains
transmitting large loads should be designed on the basis of restricting the number of belts to a realistic
minimum by increasing the belt/pulley contact area.
There are a variety of drive mechanisms that can be used to power the fans. Typically most units would
be electrically powered with pneumatics, hydraulics and mechanical drives being used for specialist
applications. Some particular considerations for each type of drive are given below.
Electrical motors should comply with a recognised standard for low voltage induction motors. Electric
motors should have power ratings selected to make economic use of standard frame sizes.
The maximum power requirements of the driven equipment should be determined at the driver coupling
and should include all transmission losses.
If pneumatic drive motors are used both the vane and piston motors should be fitted with
filter/regulator/lubricator units regardless of the source of the air used.

Standard EA/001
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Either oil or water driven motors may be used for fans which supply air for engine cooling on engine
driven fire pumps. This hydraulic fluid type of motor uses the "axial" piston fixed displacement
principle. They should be served with hydraulic fluid supplied direct from the fire pump engine when
required to run and be provided complete with a pressure relief and check valve assembly. The valve
assembly should provide the desired working conditions of the fluid to the motor when running and
allow the fan to run down slowly when the fire pump engine stops. The propeller turbine type of
hydraulic motor should be provided with a pressure control valve in the seawater inlet connection to the
motor. The valve should be controlled by a pressure sensing head inserted in the seawater inlet
pipework serving the motor. Whichever type is chosen the motor should be weatherproofed and have a
level of protection no less than electric motors used in the same circumstances.
In applications such as control or battery rooms that are required to operate during a shutdown for
limited periods but require long term reliability piston driven motors may be used for a power range up
to approximately 18kW. Where the required power is up to about 7kW and durability is not a major
consideration, such as temporary ventilation, then vane motors may be used. Both these motors have the
advantage that they are able to run from instrument or plant air when electrical power is not readily
available.
Whichever fan type is selected certain general considerations apply. These are discussed in the
following paragraphs.
Fans shaft first critical speed should be at least 20% in excess of the recommended maximum operating
speed.
The fan discharge velocity should not exceed 15m/s, except for fans having a diameter of 300mm or
less, where the velocity can be increased to 20m/s.
Fan inlets and outlets should be kept free of obstructions with the nearest component (fire damper, non-
return damper, gas detector etc) located not nearer than 1.5, and preferably 2.0, fan diameters from the
fan case.
To facilitate auto changeover on duplex fan systems pneumatically actuated dampers should be located
on all fan discharges. Proximity detectors should be fitted to the units to monitor blade locations for
interlocking with the changeover system by relaying damper status. Controls should ensure that damper
opening and closure is coincident with associated fan operation. Dampers should, on fan run-up, open
at 60% of fan full speed and, on fan run-down, close at 80% of fan full speed or on changeover if full
speed is not attained. Manually operated isolation dampers must also be provided on all duplex fan
system inlets. As isolation on single fan systems serves no purpose, dampers should not be fitted.
Spark minimising features shall be an inherent design feature of all fans. These features should conform
to a recognised standard, such as AMCA 99-0401-99 Type "C" or VDMA 24 169 Part 1. These
standards require that a shift of the impeller or shaft will not permit steel parts of the unit to rub or
strike together and cause a spark. The fan is therefore protected in the event of:
- axial movement of the impeller;
- incorrect setting of guards or shaft during re-assembly;
- limited accidental damage to the drive guard or fan casing;
- reasonable wear but not collapse of the bearing or impeller.
All fan casings should be welded construction and stiffened to prevent "drumming" and the casings
constructed to enable the fan impeller to be removed.
Materials shall be chosen to ensure that galling (binding) does not take place between components. All
materials shall be corrosion resistant, non-combustible and should not emit toxic fumes when heated.
Where possible noise levels should be limited to 80dBA at 1 metre away from the unit in areas where
personnel are in continual exposure, or as stated on the data sheet, whichever is the most onerous.
Resilient mountings should be selected to provide not less than 95% isolation of all frequencies

Standard EA/001
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transmitted to the supporting structure. Air inlets and outlets should be fitted with flexible connections
to provide not less than 99% isolation in all frequency bands from the connected ductwork.
The rotational speed of the fans should be monitored for confirmation of satisfactory operation and to
initiate automatic changeover to standby motors or fan sets in the event of duty failure (assumed to have
occurred at 80% of design shaft speed). A monitoring method based on velocity pressure measurement
should be provided with each set of fan or with each single fan unit to ensure indication at the HVAC
panel of duty unit(s) low or zero airflow. The unreliability of switches with paddles or vanes preclude
their use and methods using hot wires are not intrinsically safe.
Vibration monitoring devices should be fitted to all fan units to detect out of balance loads due to a
build up of contaminants or damage to the impellers. These units relay a signal to a local readout panel
or back to the HVAC central control panel as dictated by the project controls design. Preferably, the
signal should be a full range analogue read out, although a step function may be acceptable under
certain circumstances.
A thermocouple should be attached to the bearing blocks to monitor the temperature to give early
warning of inadequate, or excessive lubrication. These units would typically be set at a value of 70°C,
although advice on the normal running temperature should be obtained from the manufacturer. These
units are to relay a signal to a local readout panel or back to the HVAC central control panel as dictated
by the project controls design. Preferably the signal should be a full range analogue read out although a
step function may be acceptable under certain circumstances.

Standard EA/001
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6.7 Sound Attenuators
Sound attenuators should be located at points in the HVAC systems where they will control both break-
out and break-in of sound. Typical positions are at plantroom walls prior to the ductwork leaving the
room, and at duct entry into control rooms and other areas requiring low sound levels. Care must be
taken when designing the HVAC systems to allow for the poor sound absorption characteristics of many
of the areas served. As all spaces except the cabins and public areas are acoustically 'live', little
attenuation of HVAC noise by the space is likely to occur.
Fresh air inlets and outlets should be attenuated to a value where they do not exceed the local predicted
background level by 5dB or exceed NR 55 at a distance of 3 metres from the outlet, whichever is the
more onerous.
Where sound attenuators are required in the LQ Galley and Laundry extract system they should be
suitable designed to reduce the risk from grease/lint accumulation and the subsequent fire hazard. They
should not be fitted in the shale shaker or mud tank extract systems where excessive air-borne dirt
would nullify their effectiveness.
Attenuators should be designed to offer minimum turbulence to the air stream, and should be type tested
to a recognised standard such as BS 4718.
A maximum target pressure drop across a single attenuator should be 150Pa. Bull nose caps should be
used on the leading edge of the baffles to improve the aerodynamic performance.
The duct case and internal splitters should be of carbon steel, hot dip galvanised after manufacture, or
stainless steel. Internal splitters should be fabricated from perforated steel sheet securely joined to the
outer casing, encasing an infill of inorganic and non-hygroscopic silencing media. Between the material
and the perforated sheet, a polyester film sheet should be fitted to prevent migration of the silencing
material fibres into the air stream.
All sound attenuation material should have properties giving smooth resistance to air flow, adequate
strength and cohesion to resist erosion, prevent sagging and disintegration, freedom from odour, fire
retardant, non-dust producing, and rot, damp and vermin-proof.
The guaranteed dynamic insertion loss must be equal or greater in all frequency bands than the required
value in the data sheets. The self-noise level shall be quoted as an in-duct sound power level (ref 10-12
[ie 1 pico] Watts)

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6.8 Ductwork
Ductwork should be designed to recognised standards, such as CIBSE Guides etc, and sized to give the
design throughput at velocities that do not give rise to unreasonable noise.
Classification
Ductwork systems should be categorised according to the duct pressure class shown in Table 1 which is
a repeat of the definitions of Classes C and D in DW/142. DW/142 also defines medium and low
pressure classes, Class A and Class B, which are not appropriate to offshore use. All ductwork should
be Class C unless specifically required otherwise.
TABLE 1 DUCTWORK CLASSIFICATION
Leakage Class Positive Static Negative Static Mean Air Air Leakage
Pressure Limit Pressure Limit Velocity Limit
(Pascals) (Pascals) (m/s) (see note)
C 2000 750 40 0.003 x p0.65
D 2500 750 40 0.001 x p0.65
NOTE: The units of the values in this column are litres per second per square metre of duct surface
area, where p is the test pressure difference in pascals (refer to DW142 Table 2). These values
enable the calculation of leakage limits for static pressure differentials other than those shown
in Table 16.
Limiting Air Velocity
Supply and extract ductwork systems should be sized to suit the following maximum velocities:
Area Maximum Preferred
Hazardous areas and Non-hazardous areas 15m/s 10m/s main

normally unoccupied runs
LQ high velocity supply ducting 10m/s 6m/s branch

ducts
Non-hazardous areas normally occupied LQ 7.5m/s 5m/s main runs

extract and recirculation ducts
The use of maximum velocities is to be avoided as it increases duct generated noise levels and duct
resistance.
Ductwork should be sized for a maximum pressure loss of 8 Pa/m run.
Ductwork systems should be designed to include volume control dampers at each branch duct to allow
fully proportional balance, except those systems that utilise constant volume control valves. All
ductwork systems should be sized to be self balancing as far as possible.
Materials of Construction

Standard EA/001
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The material of construction should be suitable for the design life and a saliferous atmosphere. The
following categories are typical of a 25 year design life:
1) External Ductwork - All external ductwork and fittings and those exposed to external ambient
conditions should be constructed from 3mm thick stainless steel.
2) Internal Ductwork in Production and Drilling Modules - All internal ductwork located within
Production and Drilling modules should be constructed from 2mm thick min. black mild steel
sheet painted inside and outside after manufacture. Alternatively it may hot dip galvanised after
manufacture but 3mm may be necessary to prevent distribution.
Secondary (scouring) ventilation ductwork may be as above or constructed from pre-galvanised sheet
steel to DW142/HVCA.
(3) Internal Ductwork in Living Quarters - All internal ductwork located within the living quarters
module and controls rooms constructed from galvanised mild steel sheet or alternatively
aluminium sheet in accordance with DW 142 with a minimum thickness of 1mm. See also clause
(4) below.
(4) Internal Stainless Steel Ductwork - All internal ductwork handling moist or corrosive atmosphere
constructed from stainless steel. Examples of such atmospheres are:
- fresh air intakes up to air filters;
- ductwork for a distance of 6 metres from laundry washing or drying machine;
- battery room extract duct;
- fume cupboard extract duct;
- galley extract ductwork;
- shale shakers, mud tanks and cement room.
Ductwork Sizes
The ductwork sizes used on a project should be chosen to suit commercially available sizes and the
chosen ductwork construction specification. The following guidance, based on the widely used DW/142
standard, illustrates good engineering practice and is offered as one alternative approach. Ductwork
sizes given refer to the nominal internal dimensions of the duct and exclude allowance for obstructions
and linings. Variation from the standard range of sizes may be necessary where connecting to existing
ductwork systems.
The width to height aspect ratio of rectangular ductwork should not be greater than 4:1 unless specific
consideration of noise and increased pressure loss, due to turbulence, has been given. With aspect ratios
greater than 3:1, all ducts should be fitted with internal splitters. Splitters in fittings should be in
accordance with DW/142 Part Three, while the location of splitters within straight duct sections may be
at the discretion of the designer.
Light Gauge Galvanised and Stainless Sheet Steel Rectangular Section Ductwork should be of the
standard rectangular sizes defined in Table 3 of DW/142.
Heavy Gauge Stainless Steel Rectangular Section Ductwork should be of the standard sizes required
for light gauge ductwork, but should also include intermediate steps of 100mm between sides (longest
or shortest) of 500 and 1200mm. In exceptional circumstances ductwork of sizes above 2000mm will be
required and should be sized in increments of 200mm.
Light Gauge Sheet Steel Circular Section Ductwork should be manufactured in the standard sizes
defined in Table 13 of DW/142.
Heavy Gauge Circular Section Ductwork should be manufactured in the standard sizes defined in

Standard EA/001
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Table 13 of DW/142.
Flat Oval Ductwork should be manufactured in the standard sizes defined in Table 20 of DW/142.
Aluminium Ductwork should only be manufactured in the standard sizes defined in Table 13 of
DW/142. This applies only to spirally wound circular section ductwork intended for use internally
within Living Quarters and excludes ductwork handling moist or corrosive air.
Sealing
All ductwork flanged joints are to be provided with flameproof gasket material between the flanges.
The high velocity duct system in the LQ is to be sealed at each ductwork joint with heat shrink bonding
material. For double skinned ducts the joint seal should be applied to the inner skin. Sellotape 3594 has
proven a cost effective sealing material for ductwork joints.
Effective weather, fire and pressurisation sealing is to be provided wherever ducting passes through
walls, floors or roofs.
Maintenance Access
Exhaust systems serving mud tanks and shale shakers should be suitable for the dirty atmosphere to be
handled. Facilities should, however, be provided that will permit access for frequent cleaning of all
system components, equipment and the complete ducting systems. Access platforms and/or walkways
may be necessary.
Galley extract systems and terminal re-heat boxes in the LQ supply air system should also incorporate
sufficient access to permit full system and component cleaning.
Wherever practicable hinged doors 500 x 500 mm min. clear opening size should be provided to give
access to each heater, cooler, fan, filter and fire damper to enable routine inspection to be carried out.
Hangers and Supports
The choice between methods of fixing will depend on the type of structure and on the limitations which
may be imposed by the structural design. The fixings should be of a strength and durability compatible
with the ductwork and any attached equipment. Additional stiffening should be installed to cater for
loads imposed during skidding, sea-transportation and lifting. These additional members should be
painted to clearly indicate that they are required only during module location on the offshore platform.
Internal hangers and supports generally should comply with DW 142. External hangers and supports
and those exposed to external ambient conditions, should be designed to withstand wind imposed loads
in addition to static loads.
Where heavy equipment, or any other additional load is to be applied, supports shall be purpose
designed by the Structural Engineer to suit the conditions. Loads imposed during load-out should also
be accounted for.
The design of supports for vertical ducts is dictated by site conditions, and spacings may be greater than
for horizontal ducts but should not exceed a maximum distance between supports of 2.5m. Ducts should
be supported from the stiffening angles or the angle flanges, but where this is impracticable additional
supporting angles should be provided.
The addition of insulation to ducts should generally not affect the method of support, providing vapour
barriers are not required. Ducts with vapour barriers require the installation of insulating blocks to
prevent direct connection between support and duct.
All equipment should be independently supported from the ductwork system. Ductwork supports should
not be located under, on or around HVAC equipment and should be located such that the equipment can
be removed from the system without major dismantling of ductwork.
Flexible Ductwork and Connections

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Flexible ducting should not be used on the Installation except as a final connection in the LQ between
terminal boxes and their associated ceiling diffusers, which shall be limited to a maximum length of
600mm. Flexible ductwork should not be used to correct misalignment in ductwork.
Ducting connections to fan inlets and outlets should preferably terminate in a non combustible heavy
industrial type flanged flexible connection able to withstand the system operating pressure range with
minimum maintenance. Spigot connections with worm-screw type fixing clips may also be used.
Fasteners
All ductwork fasteners (nuts, bolts, set screws, locknuts, washers) should be of carbon steel protected
by electro-galvanising or cadmium plating for galvanised ductwork and stainless steel for stainless steel
ductwork. Rivets and pop rivets should not be used. No aluminium fasteners should be used except with
aluminium ductwork. Any self-tapping screw should be of stainless steel. Dissimilar metal contact
should be avoided. Proprietary fixings, such as thickbolts, may be used when access constraints apply.
Insulation
All supply air systems should be insulated where thermal conservation and anti-condensation protection
is required. The insulation should be complete with vapour barriers where the ventilation air
temperature is likely to be below the ambient Dew Point Temperature. Extract and internal return air
systems should not be insulated.
All insulating materials should be non-combustible and should not give off fumes, toxic vapours or
smoke when heated. Generally mineral fibre combined with appropriate bonding and surface protection
materials shall be used.
Test Holes
All holes provided in the ductwork for insertion of instruments should have re-usable covers which can
be easily removed at a later date during re-commissioning. These covers should be clearly labelled
"VENTILATION TEST HOLE" or similar. Plastic covers should not be used. Test holes must not be
provided in fire rated ductwork or flexible connections.

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6.9 Fire and Gas Dampers
Fire/gas dampers are required in order to maintain the fire, gas and smoke barrier integrity of HVAC
duct penetrations in emergency situations. They should be arranged to close automatically either at the
dictates of a fire and gas signal (through de-energisation of a solenoid valve) or upon failure of a
thermal device tube (normally due to excess heat) situated in the air stream, and manually by means of a
test valve mounted on, or near, the unit. Manual operation of single, or groups of, dampers is also
required from a remote control panel sited adjacent but external to each area served.
All HVAC ducts should be provided with fire/gas dampers where they penetrate 'A' and 'H' rated fire
barriers. Any penetrations through rated barriers are undesirable but those through 'H' rated barriers
incur high cost penalties and should therefore be proposed only if unavoidable. The only exception is
where ducts pass through an area without serving that area (no breaks in the duct) and are fully rated to
match the highest rated barrier bounding that area.
Dampers should have a rating at least equal to the barrier they penetrate and should not impair the
barrier integrity. Fire/gas dampers are not required at penetrations of 'B15' barriers or in non rated
external cladding unless there is deemed to be a need for smoke/gas control. Under these circumstances
the standard fire damper penetration details are not required and the frangible bulb or azeotropic tube
can be omitted.
The essential service function of these components requires that they are of a design which will ensure
reliability of operation during an emergency. As they may be left unused for long periods, construction
should be robust using materials which are inherently non-corroding in the conditions prevalent on an
installation. Particular attention should be paid to the bearing design to prevent contamination ingress
and care should be exercised in the use of lubricants to ensure that damper operational efficiency is not
impaired due to lubricant atmospheric reaction, degeneration or unacceptable performance in a fire.
Damper controls should be integrated into the overall safety system of the installation. Before selection
of the required damper mode of operation, reference must be made to the project emergency shutdown
philosophy.
Multiple use of fire/gas dampers as pressure controllers, volume control dampers, etc, is not acceptable.
All dampers should fail to the close position except under special conditions in fire pump and
emergency generator rooms/enclosures.
Components and Indicators
Each fire/gas damper should be fitted with components and indicators, housed in a protective casing, as
follows:
(a) A 3-port, 2-way normally energised electric solenoid valve, suitable for remote operation. In the
event of de-energisation this valve will close the damper by venting to atmosphere.
(b) An azeotropic trigger assembly designed to vent to atmosphere and close the damper in the event
of tube failure. The tube should be constructed to fail at 68°C. The assembly should be so
designed that the trigger can easily be replaced without disassembly of pipework or components.
(c) A 3-port, 2-way manually operated test valve, push to vent/pull to reset (vent normally closed).
The test button should be clearly engraved "PUSH TO TEST", or similar.
NOTE: A combination of a) and c) is acceptable.-

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(d) The damper should be fitted with two proximity switches to indicate open and closed positions.
These switches should not "changeover" until the blades are within 5% of the desired position.
(e) A stainless steel blade position indicator should be fixed directly to a blade shaft extension rod
that should pass through the controls enclosure cover. Open/closed labels should be securely fixed
to the cover, and clearly visible from a distance.
(f) A pneumatic single action spring return actuator should drive the damper open on supply of air
and close the damper on loss of air. Spring selection must ensure that the blades will close firmly
with either fast or slow relief of air pressure, and against the maximum duct airflow and pressure.
The return spring may alternatively be mounted externally to the pneumatic actuator, but within
the casing, and should be rated such that the damper remains in the fully open position with the
pneumatic air supply at 4.0 bar g.
(g) Stainless steel filters shall be fitted to all pneumatic air inlets and air vents to prevent particulate
contaminant ingress.
NOTE: Under certain circumstances it will be necessary for dampers to remain open in the event of
loss of air pressure or signal (ie damper normally open). Typically this would be for service in
fire pump and emergency generator enclosures.
Performance
The maximum leakage rate through damper casing and blades when in the closed position should not
exceed 0.10m3/s per m2 nominal face area when subjected to a differential air pressure of 2000Pa. The
pressure drop through open dampers should not exceed 60Pa.
The equipment should be designed to minimise turbulence and static pressure losses. The damper
control mechanism should operate uniformly and smoothly from the open to the closed positions
ensuring freedom from erratic movement, even under slow compressed air bleed off and with duct
turbulent air flow. All damper actuators should be suitable for operation under the specified compressed
air supply conditions:
Typically,
Normal Operating Pressure 8.0 bar g

Minimum Operating Pressure 4.0
Maximum Operating Pressure 10.0
Temperature Range -7°C to 40°C
Fire/gas dampers should be capable of opening and closing in any attitude or orientation over the full
compressed air pressure range and the HVAC system air pressure range up to maximum differential
pressure using 100% fan pressure.
Pneumatic lines downstream of solenoid valves serving both single dampers and groups of dampers
should be sized to ensure that from receipt of the signal to close, closure times do not exceed the
following:
damper - single unit operation - 4 seconds
damper - group operation - 10 seconds
Air pressure quick relief valves are considered to improve the speed of closure, particularly of grouped
dampers, and to reduce the likelihood of actuator contamination and are recommended for all dampers.
Closure of dampers may be electrically instigated through operations of damper solenoid valves. This
method is likely to lead to enhancement of closure speeds for single and grouped damper closure.
Construction Details
Fire/gas dampers should have certification acceptable to the certification authority for any of A0, A60,

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H60 or H120 ratings. Project data sheets indicate required ratings.
Dampers required to control gas (Halon, etc) and /or smoke should be of the same design and
construction as fire/gas dampers.
Damper casings should be Type 316 Stainless Steel, stiffened where necessary to prevent sagging,
distortion or drumming due to vibration.
Dampers should be fitted with spring side seals.
Fire/gas dampers should have parallel or opposed blade action. The blades should be single skin or
double skin aerofoil section in Type 316 Stainless Steel. Shaft supporting blades may be stub or full
length and welded to the blades. Where blade length exceeds 1000mm support mullions should be
provided. All blades should, when fully open, be enclosed within the casing. Multiple blades should be
formed to overlap one another.
The blade operation linkages and control devices should be stainless steel and located out of the air
stream in an integral enclosure that can easily be removed to allow maintenance. Linkage stops should
be provided to prevent overtravel and resultant blade distortion in both open and closed positions.
Actuators should be pneumatically operated, totally enclosed piston type, or rack and pinion type and
manufactured from stainless steel, or equivalent, to ensure corrosion is not induced by compressed air
with excessive moisture content.
Controls and control housing should be readily demountable as a single unit, although arrangements
should prevent incorrect fitting of replacement units. The housing should be provided with a 10mm
diameter drain hole positioned to suit the mounting attitude. Removal should not be restricted by
insulation, etc. Enclosures should be weatherproof to IP56 as defined in BS EN 60529.
Solenoid valves should be certified EExd with stainless steel body. Terminal boxes should be certified
EExe.
Solenoid valves and proximity switches should be wired to external junction boxes mounted on the
outside of the controls enclosure. Junction boxes should be provided with one ISO 20mm entry for
connection of an external cable. Where Intrinsically Safe proximity switches are specified, separate
junction boxes shall be provided for IS and non-IS circuits.
Fire Damper Control Panels
Control panels (cabinets), for emergency shutdown/test of fire dampers, should be mounted in a
position that will be convenient for personnel to operate in emergency conditions and should contain
the following:
(1) One 3-port 2-way manually operated valve, push to vent/pull to reset, for each group (area) of
dampers (vent normally closed).
(2) One 63mm diameter, range 0 to 16 bar g, dial pressure gauge. Gauge to be located upstream of the
valve(s) above to indicate incoming line pressure.
The valve should be arranged to permit reverse air flow, through bottled air supply connection to the
vent port, so that dampers can be powered open after an emergency situation when the main air supply
is not available. Bypass of damper frangible bulb/ azeotropic tube should not be provided.
6.9.3 Testing
During commissioning a number of tests will be undertaken. Vendors should be encouraged to repeat
all , or part, of the programme to confirm functionality. The tests should include, but not be limited to;
(1) Energise the solenoid valves and status proximity switches and providing an air supply.
(2) Test the damper shuts within 4 seconds when:

Standard EA/001
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- solenoid valve operates;
- azeotropic tube operates (simulation by removal is satisfactory);
- the manual test valve is opened to vent.
(3) Test that "open/closed" indication status (through both proximity switches and mechanical means)
is correct.
(4) Test that the damper shuts when air pressure degrades (slow bleed) from a starting pneumatic
supply air pressure of 4.0 bar g (minimum operating pressure) over a minimum period of 5
minutes.
(5) Test the leakage rate is not exceeded.
(6) Test that the damper opens fully with pneumatic supply air pressure of 4.0 bar g after tests (2) and
(4).
(7) Simulated blast test through application of a minimum static loading of 0.5 bar g.
(8) Torque test with 10% loading over and above operating conditions.

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6.10 Other Dampers
Other forms of damper may be required for dedicated duties. Examples of such components are:
- Volume control dampers to enable system balancing.
- Pressure relief dampers for pressure control in Non-Hazardous areas.
- Fan shut-off dampers for bypass prevention on twin fan installations.
Whichever component is required, it should be suitable for installation in any plane at any angle with
the exception of Pressure Relief Dampers which are usually fixed in the vertical position only. All
dampers should be constructed to withstand, and be able to close against, the expected total head
pressure created by its closure. Pressures in the order of 2500Pa may be generated adjacent to the fan.
Performance
The static pressure loss through shut-off and volume control dampers, when in the open blade position
with a face air velocity of 10m/s, should not exceed 35Pa. Pressure loss through back draught and
pressure relief dampers should be suitable for their function.
Damper airstream leakage rates should not exceed 0.15m3/s/m2 of damper duct face area, with a total
pressure differential across the closed damper of 2000Pa.
Volume Control Dampers
Volume control dampers should be of the opposed blade type capable of being manually adjusted and
locked in any position. The damper should be designed to operate in ventilation systems with velocities
up to 25m/s.
Pressure Relief Dampers
Pressure relief dampers should have parallel action blades controlled automatically by tension spring or
counterbalance weight, set to restrict blade opening until a pre-set pressure is exceeded. The pressure
relief set point should be site adjustable.
Fan Shut-off Dampers
Shut-off dampers should have parallel or opposed action aerofoil section blades. Dampers for circular
ductwork should be rectangular with circular spigot connections. Blade operating linkages should be
located out of the air stream in an integral enclosure that can easily be removed to allow maintenance.
Linkage stops should be provided to prevent overtravel in both open and closed positions.
Dampers should be capable of opening and closing in any attitude or orientation over the full
compressed air pressure range and the HVAC system air pressure range up to a maximum differential
pressure using 100% associated fan pressure.
Blades should operate within the overall casing length. The dampers should be suitable for pneumatic
operation and should be complete with a spring return actuator capable of overcoming the maximum
torque imposed by the damper. The damper should fail "closed" on loss of pneumatic air or electrical
supply.
Shut-off dampers should be provided with the following features:

(a) A 3-port, 2-way normally energised, electric solenoid valve suitable for remote operation. In the

Standard EA/001
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event of this valve being de-energised, it should close the damper by venting to atmosphere.
(b) A 3-port, 2-way manually operated test valve, push to vent/pull to reset (vent normally closed).
Test button to be clearly engraved "PUSH TO TEST".
NOTE: A combination of (a) and (b) is acceptable
(c) A pneumatic, single action, spring return type actuator arranged to close the damper on loss of
pneumatic supply pressure. The spring rating should be such that the damper remains open should
the pneumatic air supply decay to its lowest operating pressure and ensure that the blades close
firmly with either fast or slow relief of air pressure.
The return spring may alternatively be mounted externally to the pneumatic actuator but within the
casing.
(d) The damper should be fitted with two volt-free proximity switches to indicate open and closed
positions. These switches should not "changeover" until the blades are within 5% of the desired
position.
(e) Stainless steel filters should be fitted to all pneumatic air inlets and air vents to prevent particulate
contaminant ingress.
The manually operated valve (b) should be arranged to permit reverse air flow, through bottled air
supply connection to the vent port, so that the damper can be powered open after an emergency
situation when the main air supply is not available.
Operating pneumatic air pressures and temperatures should be confirmed by the purchaser.
Air pressure quick relief valves are considered to improve closure speed and to reduce the likelihood of
actuator contamination and are recommended for all shut-off dampers.

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6.11 Grilles and Diffusers
Terminal unit material selection will be influenced by aesthetics, the severity of the environment and the
need to withstand mechanical impact. In general, all grilles and diffusers in LQ and manned Non-
Hazardous areas and nozzles and associated balancing dampers in Hazardous and unmanned Non-
Hazardous areas should be fabricated from inert material. As a further guide to materials selection and
surface protection two different categories are usually determined for each type of terminal device:
• heavy duty - exposed applications and/or process areas
• light duty - accommodation areas, control rooms and normally manned areas
Where terminal devices are used for heavy duty they should be of stainless steel construction and
designed to withstand an offshore industrial environment where they may be subjected to accidental
knocks and direct contact with airborne abrasive or corrosive materials. For light duty, they should be
of aluminium construction with an anodised or painted finish to suit the chosen architectural finish.
Supply Air to Unmanned Areas
When both primary distribution and secondary scouring systems are used:-
- the primary system should use a steel mesh outlet. Volume control will be regulated by a standard
opposed blade duct damper attached to the back of the outlet;
- secondary ventilation should use high velocity nozzle outlets, with preference given to adjustable
types to allow selection of optimum positions during commissioning and later to ensure correct air
movement.
When a primary system is adequate to achieve satisfactory air distribution, either adjustable drum
diffusers or two way deflection blade grilles should be used. Opposed blade dampers should be attached
at each outlet point. These dampers can be integral or duct mounted units.
Supply Air to Manned Areas
Non-Hazardous areas normally manned, and LQ areas should have supply air provided through
adjustable ceiling or wall diffusers of square, rectangular, circular and/or linear type. An integral
balancing damper should be provided with each diffuser, or in the case of linear diffusers in the main
supply duct to each separate section.
Extract Air from Unmanned Areas
Extract grilles should be a steel mesh outlet, with air being regulated by a standard opposed blade duct
damper attached to the back of the grille.
Extract Air from Manned Areas
Extract grilles in LQ and normally manned Non-Hazardous areas should be fixed louvre or fixed square
pattern core type with integral balancing dampers.
Balancing Dampers
Balancing dampers at all supply outlets and extract inlets are intended for on/off control and fine tuning
of terminal air volumes, and not for general system distribution balancing.
Except where there is a need for visual continuity in the appearance of a false ceiling, as in
accommodation areas where diffusers may be used in an extract application, the following should be

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used:
Heavy Duty Extract Grilles
In unmanned areas where the purpose of the grille is only to prevent rubbish accumulating in the duct
and the damper requires protection from unauthorised adjustment then a simple framed flanged metal
mesh grille is adequate.
Light Duty Extract Grilles
Where a grille is in an normally manned area, and the aesthetics are important, then fixed blade grilles
having one way deflection of 45° to restrict vision into the duct should be used. In laundry or galley
areas where the level of contamination does not warrant special extract terminals but mild
contamination can still be expected, then the angle of deflection should be 0° to ensure ease of cleaning.
In W.C. and shower areas where small air volumes are involved, exhaust valves may be used, as an
alternative to a grilles.
Heavy Duty Supply Diffusers
High velocity jet nozzles (either single or multiple concentric rings), should be used in process modules
where the supply duct distribution is limited and long throws for spot cooling are required, rather than
high local entrainment for global area cooling. The use of rectangular drum "louvres" is discouraged as
the blade settings tend to alter with time, irrespective of the tensioning devices used.
Fixed blade rectangular ceiling diffusers, producing either 4, 3, 2, or 1-way throw may be used in
locations where "light duty" units would not be sufficiently robust eg mud labs and stores.
Light Duty Supply Diffusers
Fixed blade rectangular units producing high diffusion rates should be used throughout the
accommodation and control rooms where there is a need to produce a regular fixed pattern of outlets
that can integrate into a false ceiling pattern. These units can be either 4, 3, 2, or 1-way throw.
Fixed or adjustable linear slot diffusers should be used in the accommodation cinema or similar
application where long laminar flow patterns are required.
Heavy Duty Supply Grilles
In unmanned areas where the purpose of the grille is only to "dump" air into an area where the
distribution is via secondary ventilation, then a simple framed metal mesh grille is adequate.
Where only a simple distribution pattern is required but there is the possibility of mechanical damage,
for example in a process area store room, a one way fixed blade unit may be used.
In uncluttered process areas where the primary ductwork can adequately distribute the air, and the grille
is out of the reach of personnel, adjustable two way deflection grilles may be used.
Light Duty Supply Grilles
Where simple distribution is acceptable, for example a store room in the accommodation module one
way fixed deflection may be used.
In accommodation utility areas, such as a changing room or tea room, and diffusers are unsuitable a two
way deflection grille could be used.
Light Duty Transfer Grilles
In applications where air transfer is required into a toilet area/cubical to maintain a specific air flow
pattern transfer grilles can be used. Their application (normally in doors) requires that they cannot be
seen through and can be fitted into sheet material down to a thickness of 25mm. To meet this
requirement the construction should consist of two frames into which one chevron blade insert is

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attached.
Volume Control Dampers
Volume control dampers should be supplied on all terminal units. With the exception of mesh grilles,
dampers should be connected directly to the terminal device rather than the ductwork.
Volume control damper adjustment should ensure positive uniform action and prevent movement due to
air pressure or vibration. Free floating flap dampers should not be used. Adjustment of dampers should
be through the face of the terminal unit without the need to alter the selected air distribution pattern. As
an exception to this requirement air valves cores may be removable to allow access to dampers.
Rectangular dampers should be of the opposed blade pattern, whilst circular dampers should be either
iris or butterfly type.
Dampers should be so constructed that when used to restrict air volume the pre set air outlet pattern is
not adversely affected.

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6.12 Packaged Units
6.12.1 Air Handling Unit Functional Requirements
Installations provided with a large LQ demand a high throughput of supply air which needs to be
controlled within certain constraints on temperature and humidity for personnel comfort and a similar
quantity of extract air. These requirements are usually provided most cost effectively by an air handling
unit (AHU) installed within the LQ or in an adjacent structure.
The implicit purpose of an Air Handling Unit as opposed to ductwork connected components is:
- optimisation of component performance by equalisation of face velocity;
- simplified pre-delivery performance testing
- protection of the sub component items from mechanical damage, corrosion and contamination;
- improved accessibility to all components for maintenance;
- minimal total connected components length, by optimisation of design;
- minimal noise break out by use of acoustic infill panels; and,
- minimal heat loss and external condensation by the use of thermal infill insulation to panels and frame
sections.
The design of both external and internal AHUs will be similar, with the exception that external units
should be fitted with a stainless steel pitched roof to prevent water/corrosive fluids pooling on the top of
the unit, particularly between the section joints causing corrosion and loss of air tightness over a period
of time.
Although most AHUs will be located internally and not subject to harsh environmental conditions once
installed, experience has shown that AHUs should be fabricated from stainless steel and have a high
build quality in order to:
- resist damage and corrosion whilst the unit is in the fabrication yard and/or during ship out;
- simplify the build procedure by eliminating the need to isolate stainless steel sub components from the
air handling unit structure to prevent galvanic corrosion; and,
- greatly increase the unit life for only a marginal extra cost in materials.
Air Handling Units should where possible be of the "Draw-Through" type so that leakage of
condensation through pressurisation, a probability once units are in service and seals are less than
pristine, is avoided. They should incorporate all major equipment items required for the main air supply
plant serving the LQ which have been described in previous sections of this document including:
Filter Section - 6.3
Heating Coil Section - 6.4
Fan Section - 6.6
Construction of the AHU

The AHU width to height aspect ratio should never be greater than 3:1. When duplex fans are used a
2:1 ratio is normally found to be the most economical, whilst on single fan units this ratio tends to be in
the order of 1:1.

Standard EA/001
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The unit should where possible be designed to have a constant width and height.
Given the sequence of components, as specified on the data sheet, the length of the AHUs should be
kept to a minimum whilst maintaining adequate access space and an even velocity over the face of the
sub components.
Face velocities across plant items should be uniform. For limiting velocities reference should be made
to the relevant plant item specifications, but typically these should not exceed 2.5m/s over the plant item
and 2.0m/s when calculated over the outside cross sectional area of the AHU. These maximum face
velocities will contribute to establishing the face area of the unit.
The AHU should be designed on a modular basis having a "penta post" section main frame into which
are located double skinned insulated panels with easily removable top and side panels. Infill panels
should be of a design, shape and weight (about 20kg) such that they can be removed by one person.
Not less than two handles of substantial design on each panel are to be provided to facilitate this
requirement. All joints between panels and framing should be complete with fire retardant gaskets, and
should be airtight when closed.
A base frame shall be fitted to provide:

- a rigid support to the sectional construction;
- a structure that can be certified as a lifting frame;
- support of the unit off the platform steelwork;
- sufficient space below the unit to permit drain traps to be installed; and,
- the facility for common electrical earthing connections.
In sections where there is the possibility of water collecting, the floor pan should be of continuous sheet
construction, fully welded to the frame. This pan should be insulated and protected and designed to run
to a trapped drain. This trap must be of sufficient depth to prevent the liquid seal either being blown out
or sucked out during fan start up when they are subjected to the fan total head pressure.
Fan and motor assemblies should be mounted on anti-vibration mountings outside the ductwork casing.
Motors should be mounted to permit easy removal, and replacement and tensioning of belts.
Units should be provided with flanges for connection of ductwork on both air inlet and discharge.
Each unit should be complete with a single base frame capable of supporting the whole unit during
lifting and lifting lugs should also be fitted to the frame.
There are certain limiting design restrictions that should be observed when locating the AHUs sub
components.
Louvres
Liquid carry over, always possible from louvres, requires that drainage be provided both down stream
of the louvre and from its drain tray. Distance to downstream components that are sensitive to water
should be adequate to permit drop out of any carry over. For an average face velocity over the louvre of
2.5m/s this would be in the order of 600mm. Advice on precise figures for the actual velocities should
be obtained from the louvre manufacturer.
Filters
There are no limiting values on distances between these items and other sub components providing the
adjacent sub components cannot damage or contaminate the filter, and operating velocities are within
manufacturer's recommendations.
Fans

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When evaluating the type of fans to be used the following features should be considered. Mixed flow
fans have the drive motor located out of air stream hence there is no heat gain to the conditioned supply
air. Their disadvantage is that they have high inlet and outlet velocities which could lead to uneven
velocity profiles over connected sub components. Double inlet centrifugal fans, when located in a
plenum chamber, have low inlet velocities and usually lower outlet velocity than mixed flow units.
Their main disadvantage is that the motor is in the air stream causing heat gain to supply air.
When duplex fans are fitted the design of the air handling unit shall be such as to ensure that it is
possible to remove one fan unit for servicing whilst the other unit remains operational. As mixed flow
fan units are designed on an axial basis they can both be housed in a common section with each being
separately connected to the inlet and outlet plenums. It is desirable for these units to be contained within
the unit panelled casing, although the connection design of the units does permit them to be exposed.
The use of centrifugal fans, usually of the double inlet design, precludes direct connection to the fan air
inlet to the AHU. Under these circumstances special consideration in design is required if maintenance
is not to be compromised.
Heating Coils
High off-coil temperatures and radiation from such units can affect filter media. Advice should be
obtained from the filter supplier to confirm there is no problem.
Provision should be made to prevent the air from bypassing the heat exchanger design contact surfaces.
Electric Heating Coils
Having relatively widely dispersed rods to transfer energy to the air the contact factor is very low
causing the off coil air to be layered into "hot" and "cold" zones. To ensure adequate mixing of the air
prior to any item where the performance could be impaired by stratified air, say a cooling coil, a space
in the order of 1000mm will be required between these components, for a 2.5m/s face velocity.
Guidance must be sought from the coil manufacturer on this distance. If the unit layout and
psychrometric design permit, these coils should be located in the turbulent air region either at the fan
inlet or outlet to assure good mixing.
The electrical heating coils link terminal box should be contained within the width of the unit.
Water or Direct Expansion Cooling Coils
Headers and return bends for direct expansion and water coil should be located outside the air stream
but within the confines of the of the AHU, with just the inlet and outlet connections protruding beyond
the AHU casing.
Moisture carry-over is a potential problem with these plant items. On low velocity coils that are running
mostly dry contamination of the unit can be prevented by the simple application of drip trays. On units
where higher coil face velocities are necessary (above 2.3m/s) or the level of dehumidification is
excessive, down stream eliminators should be fitted.
Steam Humidifiers
Where humidifiers are fitted preference is shown for the steam generator to be contained within the
overall dimensions of the unit, in a compartment out of the air stream. On small units, or where the
steam generator is directly connected to the steam lance, it is appreciated this requirement may not be
practical.
Although little water carry over should be experienced from steam humidifiers as the steam will be
readily absorbed into the air stream, certain provisions are still required. The floor in the section of the
air handling unit in which the unit is located should be run to fall and be drained. Depending on the
direction that the steam is injected into the airstream, a distance of between 1000mm and 1500mm
down stream of the steam injection point will be necessary to ensure adequate mixing and avoidance of
moisture knock out on coils, duct bends etc. If the AHU layout permits positioning the humidifier in a
region of turbulent air such as the fan inlet where good mixing is assured, it may be possible to reduce
the distance required for mixing.

Standard EA/001
4/Jan 1997
Page 90
Glass observation ports should be fitted down stream of humidifiers to verify their performance.
Suitable in duct lighting may be necessary.
Mixing Dampers (Air Recirculation Systems)
An air recirculation system will dictate a need for three dampers operating in unison to ensure correct
air mixing. It may be convenient if the fresh air and recirculation dampers form an integral part of the
AHU. If these dampers are to be used in a modulating action then their performance must be matched to
that of the exhaust damper. All three dampers must have a sufficiently high face velocity to ensure
adequate authority over the ductwork distribution system. Dampers used for this purpose are required to
be multi-blade opposed action to ensure a linear control over the full range of the blade movement.
Access Consideration
The design of the unit should take due cognisance of access for maintenance, observation and
withdrawal of all plant items.
Access sections shall be provided to allow inspection of each sub component. Wherever possible access
sections should serve two adjacent sub components. Retention details for sub components should be so
designed that there is adequate provision for their removal from the AHU.
An AHU having an opening height between the inner face of the floor and roof post of 1500mm or
more (equating to a unit duty of approximately 5.0m3/s) is classed as a "walk in" unit. Access sections
when fitted to these units should have a clear width of not less than 850mm. AHUs with opening heights
less than 1500mm should be designed for side/top access. Under these circumstances the access
distance between components can be reduced to 450mm providing the reach length to any item within
the unit requiring servicing does not exceed 400mm.
Inspection access sections may also double up as expansions and/or contractions.
Electrical Services
All electrical equipment and associated controls shall be in accordance with the Hazardous Zone in
which they are located.
Ex'd IP65 rated bulkhead light fittings should be located inside each access section of the AHU having
a width or high of more than 800mm. Switches for these units should be positioned on the external face
of the AHU with clear identification of purpose.
Where space permits, electrical isolators for fans, humidifiers and electric heating coils etc should be
fitted on the external face of the unit and clearly labelled to identify use.
6.12.3 Refrigeration Unit Functional Requirements
There may be a requirement for a large cooling load on an installation. Packaged refrigeration
machines, comprising compressors, motors and condensing equipment, piping and controls, should be
preferred over ductwork connected items for similar reasons to those given for AHUs.
At present there are no Zero Ozone Depletion Potential Refrigerants available for use in refrigeration
machines, although they should be used immediately they become available. The "Soft
Chlorofluorocarbon" R22 (a hydrochlorocarbon) may be used for new and, where practical, as a
replacement for existing installations but will cease production in 2015 and consideration should be
given to the use of alternatives, such as R407C, R410A and G2032.
Packaged refrigeration machines should be designed and constructed for continuous full-load duty and
for operation using refrigerant R22. The necessary charge of refrigerant and lubricating oil should be
included. The whole of each package should be mounted on a support frame complete with anti-
vibration mountings and compressor acoustic enclosures as necessary. Manufacturers standard range
equipment should be used wherever possible.

Standard EA/001
4/Jan 1997
Page 91
Compressors
Compressors for central refrigeration plant should of the multi-stage reciprocating, direct drive, open
serviceable type with automatic cylinder loading system arranged for unloaded start-up. Automatic
pumpdown control should be provided.
Compressors for refrigeration units for individual rooms may be hermetically or semi-hermetically
sealed type.
The compressors should be built and tested to recognised standards such as BS 3122 Compressors for
Refrigeration, and BS 4434 Refrigeration Safety.
Condensers
Condensers may be seawater cooled or air cooled depending on the local environmental conditions.
Seawater Cooled Condensers
The condensers should be shell and tube type with integral finned tubes with integral liquid sub-cooling
and should have removable heads for cleaning and tube withdrawal.
The condenser cooling medium should be the utility seawater system provided. Tubes and tube end
plates should be manufactured from material suitable for the duty such as 90/10 cupro nickel alloy.
Shells should be carbon steel.
Shells and tubes should comply with a recognised industry standard such as BS 2871, Part 3 seamless
for tubes and BS 5500 for shells.
Seawater condensers should be mounted on a common base frame with the refrigeration compressors.
Air Cooled Condensers
Air cooled condensing units should be suitable for the area classification.
The unit fans should be direct drive. Condenser coils should be constructed of copper fins mechanically
bonded onto copper tubes. Fouling factors should include fouling of tubes and fins. The casing should
be designed to make the unit fully weatherproof and suitable for installation in an outdoor marine
environment. The liquid and suction lines should be provided with shut-off and pressure relief valves.
Evaporators
The evaporators may be of the shell and tube type for chilled water systems or duct mounted direct
expansion cooling coils.
Controls
Each packaged refrigeration unit should be complete with a control panel of the manufacturers standard
range (wherever reasonably practicable) and should contain all or part of the following:
- Main Isolator/Crankcase Heater Isolator - Combined Door Interlock

- Compressor Motor Starters
- On-Off Switches - Automatic Minimum Load 25%
- Overload Protection - Single Phasing
- Control Circuit Fuses - Earth
- Capacity Control System (if electric)
- Auto-Pump Down Control
- Suction and Discharge Pressure Gauges
- Oil Pressure Gauge
- High Pressure Cut-out
- Low Pressure Cut-out
- Low Oil Pressure Cut-out

Standard EA/001
4/Jan 1997
Page 92
- Condenser Water Flow Cut-out

- Condenser Water Temperature Gauge
- Remote Signal Facilities - Common Status Run
- Status/Alarm for each unit Common Alarm Fault
- Timer Device to avoid rapid cycling
- Warning Lamps
- Running Lamps
- Reset Buttons for the Safety Devices
- Hours Run Meter for each machine
- Condenser Fan Motor Starters and Head Pressure Control as appropriate
The temperature control system shall be solid state/pneumatic with proportional and integral action
suitable for operation of the machines in parallel.
Facilities for interconnection with the main HVAC Control Panel shall be incorporated.

Standard EA/001
4/Jan 1997
Page 93
6.13 Air Scrubbers
The Air Scrubber should incorporate the following features:

(i) Air scrubbing sprays.
(ii) Vane wash sprays.
(iii) Vane moisture eliminators.
(iv) Detergent injection (oil based mud).
(v) Drain sump with bolted access.
(vi) All liquid pipework and drain connections.
(vii) Access doors to spray section and discharge section.
The units are generally required to operate continuously typically handling air at a maximum peak
temperature of 80°C, with normal operation at 40-60°C. The constituents of the mud and their
proportions are project specific, but can typically consists of any of the following:
- Water
- Emulsifier Green Soap
- Liquid (Primary)
- Emulsifier Alcohol (Secondary)
- Calcium Hydroxide in solution
- Calcium Chloride in solution
- Asphalt
- Barium Sulphate
Oil based mud will consist of similar solids to the above, in addition to mineral oil, and include water in
the following variable proportions with an oil/water ratio of between 50/50 and 80/20 and a yield point
of 18/22 at 29°C. The specific gravity will vary according to the proportions of the constituents, but
may be in the order of 1.5.
The scrubbing unit should be selected to operate at the optimum face velocity to achieve 95% efficiency
measured using wet mud particles or fine dry baryte dust. Both functions should be achievable without
change in design. Minimum efficiency with mud or dry dust should be 95% with a particle size range of
5 to 50 microns. Dust for performance testing shouldd be AC Fine Air Cleaner Test Dust with a min. of
38% <5 microns.
The maximum initial clean scrubbing unit pressure drop at design velocity should not exceed 350Pa.
Spray systems should have integral spray piping and nozzles with a flanged connection for connection
for either pressurised seawater or potable water supplies. The system should comprise continuous
scrubbing sprays to remove airborne contaminants and washing sprays to maintain vane eliminator
cleanliness (efficiency).

Standard EA/001
4/Jan 1997
Page 94
Drainage should be to collection drain trap(s), with manometric seal(s), mounted and fixed to the
underside of the casing. Drain trap(s) should have a seal to prevent airflow, and a flanged outlet for
connection to the platform drainage system. The drain design should be adequate to remove the
maximum quantities of waste water and contaminants, without backing-up or excessive contaminant
accumulation.
Self cleaning should be attained with minimal use of detergent. However, units intended to deal with oil
based muds as well as water based muds should be provided with a means of introducing detergent to
the spray water supply, to ensure that the unit remains self-cleaning. The detergent should be non-
foaming, biodegradable and non-clogging. Detergent should not be added if the effluent is to be
discharged to a settling tank.
All materials used in the construction must be non-combustible and not emit smoke or toxic fumes in
fire conditions. Materials should be suitable for seawater and chemicals (detergent or mud) likely to be
used, with respect to corrosion and erosion.
All stages of separation should be fully accessible for maintenance and be configured for withdrawal for
inspection and cleaning.

Standard EA/001
4/Jan 1997
Page 95
6.14 Constant Volume Terminal Reheat Units
Terminal reheat units may be fitted to provide individual room temperature control as an alternative to
room heaters. If fitted, constant volume terminal reheat units should be suitable for operation when
connected to high velocity systems where the on-unit static pressure can range from a minimum of
200Pa to maximum of 1000Pa, and the on-unit velocities can vary from a minimum of 5m/s to a
maximum of 15m/s. Reference should be made to the data sheets for the precise service conditions.
Each unit is built up of three basic components:

• constant volume regulators
• sound attenuator
• air heater
Units should include all three components, except where independent zone heating coils are employed,
in which case the air heater may be excluded.
Constant Volume Regulator

The regulator should be designed as a self actuating device, the motive force being supplied solely by
the incoming distributed air supply. It should ensure that the volume throughput is maintained within
±5% of the design set point for a constant entry supply temperature.
The set point should be manually adjustable whilst the unit is in situ, without the need for special tools.
The unit should preferably be selected at the mid point of its design range. Where this is not possible,
then the larger of the potential unit selections should be offered to ensure that the generated noise levels
are as low as is reasonably practical.
Plastic or rubber compounds in the form of diaphragms or bellows should not form part of the
construction of this unit.
Air Heater
The heater should be electric and capable of both continuous and intermittent operation.
The design should be such as to minimise in duct turbulence and static pressure loss.
It is preferred that heaters are designed as stab-in although cased bolt on units may be used if the
preferred design is not practical.
Preference is usually given for terminal boxes to be located on the top side of the units. Where this is
not possible side mounting can be used, but terminal boxes should not be located on the bottom face of
the casing as this location is particularly vulnerable to water ingress.
Elements should be sheathed black heat type, attached to a terminal box suitable for direct connection
of external wiring.
Elements should have a specified maximum temperature rating, such as T3 as established by

BASEEFA. In addition to the T3 requirements, the watt output per unit area of element surface should
be restricted to a level where the surface temperature of the element cannot exceed 150°C under normal
operating air flow conditions.
Extended contact surfaces in the form of fins should not be used on the coils.

Standard EA/001
4/Jan 1997
Page 96
Mounting provisions of the terminal box and connected elements should be such that they can be
withdrawn whilst leaving the Constant Volume Terminal Reheat Unit in situ.
Elements should be so designed that the length of element outside the process air stream does not heat
up above 40°C in still air conditions, when subjected to an electrical load either through conduction or
its resistive load.
Where heating elements pass through casings they shall be clamped by a compression fitting, with the
air tight integrity of the fitting being achieved by suitable gaskets.
Face velocities should not normally be less than 2.5m/s or greater than 5.0m/s.
Single phase power supplies should be restricted to a maximum of 3kW with three phase supplies being
used above this value. Where three phase supplies are used the number of elements should be split to
ensure the out of balance load across each phase is not greater than 2%.
All connection boxes should be designed to a suitable standard, such as BS 5490, having a degree of
protection to IP65, unless a lower standard, such as IP54, can be justified.
Where step controls are used the internal connection within the terminal box should be such that the
single or three phase connections for each step are grouped together to minimise the required run length
of the incoming power cable.
The terminal box should be of an adequate size and shape to minimise the possibility of short circuiting
should a terminal connection become detached.
Terminal pins and element links are to be numbered in accordance with a wiring diagram provided by
the supplier.
All internal cross connections between the elements should be completed by the vendor. Three phase
heater internal connections should be so arranged that one 3-phase cable can terminate into one terminal
box without the need for jump connections.
Either a thermocouple or resistance temperature devices should be used to protect the elements from
overheating.
Each heater bank should be protected, by an over-temperature device. This should be clamped to the
element at a point where it is anticipated the highest temperature will occur.
On three phase heating coils each bank of elements connected to a phase will be fitted with an over
temperature device.
On step controlled heating coils the over temperature device must be connected to the lead bank of
elements.
Additionally, an air high temperature device shall be fitted on the downstream side of the elements. This
device should be set to trip at 175°C.
Materials used in the construction of the heaters and the proximity of temperature sensitive materials in
adjacent components should be such that there is no adverse effect or damage to the material during a
high temperature test.
Sound Attenuator
Equipment should comply with dynamic insertion losses, total pressure drop and flow noise limits as
stated on the data sheet.
The guaranteed dynamic insertion loss must be equal or greater in all frequency bands than the required
value stated on the data sheet. The self-noise level should be quoted as an in-duct sound power level
(ref 10-12 [ie 1 pico] Watts).

Standard EA/001
4/Jan 1997
Page 97
7 INSTALLATION
7.1 Introduction
The following aspects should be considered as examples of good installation practice and adopted as far
as reasonably practicable.
7.2 Joints
The jointing system should be of a well recommended type with a certified pressure class.
Different metallic materials should be isolated to prevent galvanic corrosion.
For stainless steel flanges, bolts shall be stainless steel.
7.3 Hangers and Supports

Supports should not be welded to the ductwork unless specified on the drawings.
When being erected duct runs should not be forced into place to suit the installed support and thereby
introduce stresses into the ductwork.
Surfaces of supports which will be inaccessible after erection should receive the protective coating
before assembly.
7.4 Ductwork Insulation

Installation of ductwork insulation and repair shall be in accordance with BS 5422 and BS 5970.
7.5 Identification of Ductwork

The ductwork should be permanently marked to identify function in accordance with BS 5575.
The identification symbols should be placed on:

- Ducting in ceiling behind access points.
- Either side of major components, such as fans etc.
- All ducting in HVAC plant rooms.
- Ducting in shafts behind access doors and panels.
- Ducting entering and leaving modules.
- Ducting entering or leaving local equipment/control rooms in open modules/areas.
- Both sides of fire walls where the duct penetrates.
- Each leg of a branch duct where the destination is not immediately obvious.
7.6 Cleaning and Protection

All ductwork, fittings and equipment should be cleaned before erection.
Protective covers on equipment shall be left in place as long as possible during erection.
Equipment should be adequately protected against damage during construction.

Standard EA/001
4/Jan 1997
Page 98
All duct elements should be supplied with dust blinds immediately after fabrication. Blinds should
remain in place until the duct elements are actually required for installation.
Ductwork terminated for later hook-up should be equipped with a blind on the open end immediately
after installation.
When the duct system is finally installed and ready for mechanical completion, the system should be
internally cleaned along the complete run.
Stainless steel ductwork should be kept covered during construction to avoid contamination from other
sources.
7.7 Testing
A minimum of 10% of the ductwork should be leak tested after installation unless onshore tests have
demonstrated a high confidence in the sealing system being used.
The section of the ductwork to be tested should be prepared by blanking off equipment, duct outlets etc.
All dampers in the tested ductwork should be left in the open position.
Testing should be satisfactorily completed before insulation of the ductwork and before terminal units
are fitted.
The tests should be carried out to a recognised standard, such as Eurovent 2/2, air tightness Class B.
All test devices shall be removed after the tests have been completed.

Standard EA/001
4/Jan 1997
Page 99
8 COMMISSIONING AND HANDOVER
8.1 Commissioning
Commissioning should take place after mechanical completion of the plant and should be based on
CIBSE Commissioning Code, Series A and W for LPHW coils. Mechanical completion should be
recorded on the 'A' check sheets contained within EA/050 and commissioning details recorded on the
'B' check sheets.
The balancing of the system(s) should be carried out in accordance with the proportional method
described in CIBSE Commissioning Codes, Series A, Section A 2.7. The main air flow and air flow at
each terminal unit should be within +/- 10% of the specified flow, including errors of measurement.
In all other respects commissioning should be carried out in line with the requirements of:
- EA/050 - Commissioning Manual (in parts)
Following successful commissioning a documentation package should be prepared for the Asset
Operator which contains as a minimum;
- a description of the system Basis of Design;
- the technical performance standards for the system;
- vendor manuals;
- a listing of breakdown and routine maintenance spares; and,
- the maintenance philosophy for the system and key components.
In all other respects documentation should be compiled in accordance with the requirements of:
- EA/056 - Project Documentation Handover Requirements

Standard EA/001
4/Jan 1997
Page 100
9 REFERENCES
9.1 Legislation, Associated Guidance and Approved Codes of Practice

SI 1992 No. 2885 - The Offshore Installations (Safety Case Regulations) 1992
SI 1995 No. 743 - Offshore Installations (Prevention of Fire and Explosion, and
Emergency Response) Regulations and Approved Code of Practice
SI 1994 No. 3246 - Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations and

General COSHH Approved Code of Practice
9.2 International, National and Industry Standards

ISO 15 138 (Draft) - Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries - Offshore Production
Installations - Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning
Institute of Petroleum - Area Classification Code for Petroleum Industries, Model Code of
Safe Practice, Part 15
BS 476 - Fire tests on building materials and structures (18 parts).

Part 4: 1970 (1984) - Non-combustibility test for materials.
Part 24: 1987 - Method for determination of the fire resistance of
ventilation ducts.
BS 848 - Fans for General Purposes

Part 1: 1980 - Methods for testing performance.
Part 2: 19085 - Methods of noise testing (ISO equivalent
5136:1990)
Part 5: 1986 - Guide for mechanical and electrical safety.
Part 6: 1989 - Method of measurement of fan vibration.
BS 5345 - Code of Practice for selection, installation and maintenance of

electrical apparatus for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
(other than mining applications or explosives processing and
manufacture)
Note: Part 2: 1983 - superseded by BS EN 50079-10:1995.
BS 4434 - Specification for safety aspects in the design, construction and

installation of refrigerating appliances and systems.
BS 4718 - Methods of tests for silencers.
BS 6540 - Air filters used in Air Conditioning.

Note: Part 1: 1985 Superseded by BS EN 779: 1993 - Particulant
Air Filters and General Ventilation Requirements, Testing,
Marking.
BS 4675 - Mechanical Vibration in Rotating Machinery

Note: Part 1: 1986 superseded by ISO 2372
TR 10 - Standard of installation, heating hot and cold water supply.
DW 142 - Specification for Sheet Metal Ductwork
DW 143 - A Practical Guide to Ductwork Leakage Testing
HVCA - Test Methods and Documentation

Standard EA/001
4/Jan 1997
Page 101
ASHRAE - 1993 Fundamentals Handbook
CIBSE - Design Guides
9.3 Shell Expro Engineering Reference Documents

DEP 37.17.10.11 - Gen. - Design of Offshore Temporary Refuges
EA/005 - Major Hazards on Offshore Installations Control and Recovery
EA/021 - Platform Layout Offshore Facilities
EA/050 - Commissioning Manual (in parts)
EA/056 - Project Documentation Handover Requirements
EA/071 - Relief, Blowdown and Flaring Systems
EA/081 - Fire and Gas Detection and Alarm Systems for Offshore
Installations
EA/083 - Explosion Protection of Offshore Installations
EN/066 - TR Impairment Assessment
EN/083 - Methodology for Measurement of Air Change Rates in Existing

Modules
ES/292 - Ventilation Rate Based on Fugitive Emissions
3714 - 001 - Operating Standards Volume 1 - OS 2.004 Operation of Module

HVAC
Noise Guide - Shell Safety and Health Committee
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What are the goals of HVAC systems on offshore installations?

What are the goals of HVAC systems on offshore installations?

What factors are considered when developing the basis of design for HVAC systems?

What factors are considered when developing the basis of design for HVAC systems?

Copyright Shell U.K. Limited. All rights reserved.

Shell U.K. Exploration and Production.

HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR

Mudie, A. (UESC/9) is the appointed Author of this document

Printed from DEP/ERD CD-ROM version 02/97

1.2 Relationship with Other Documents 9

2.1 Safety Goals 12

2.2 Goals for the Basis of Design 12

2.3 Goals for Design Development 13

3 DEVELOPMENT OF A BASIS OF DESIGN 14

3.1 Platform Orientation and Layout 14

3.2 Hazardous Area Classification and the Role of HVAC 16

3.3 Natural/Mechanical Ventilation 20

3.4 Selection of Controls Philosophy 22

3.5 Operating and Maintenance Philosophy 28

3.6 Environmental Conditions 30

3.7 Materials and Corrosion 33

3.8 Design Margins and Calculations 35

3.9 Wind Tunnel or CFD Modelling 37

3.10 Performance Standards 39

4 SYSTEM DESIGN - GENERAL 41

Printed from DEP/ERD CD-ROM version 02/97

4.1 Natural Ventilation 41

4.2 Mechanical Ventilation Systems 41

4.3 Secondary Ventilation Systems 43

5 SYSTEM DESIGN - AREA SPECIFIC 45

5.1 Process and Utilities Areas 45

5.2 Living Quarters 47

5.3 Drilling and Drilling Utilities Areas 51

5.4 Gas Turbine Enclosures 53

5.5 Emergency Plant Ventilation 56

5.6 Ancillary Areas 57

6.2 Cowls and Weather Louvres 60

6.3 Filters, Coalescers and Separators 61

6.4 Space Heating and Cooling 63

6.7 Sound Attenuators 74

Printed from DEP/ERD CD-ROM version 02/97

6.9 Fire and Gas Dampers 79

6.10 Other Dampers 83

6.11 Grilles and Diffusers 85

6.12 Packaged Units 88

6.13 Air Scrubbers 94

6.14 Constant Volume Terminal Reheat Units 96

7.3 Hangers and Supports 99

7.4 Ductwork Insulation 99

7.5 Identification of Ductwork 99

7.6 Cleaning and Protection 99

7.7 Testing 100

8 COMMISSIONING AND HANDOVER 101

8.1 Commissioning 101

Printed from DEP/ERD CD-ROM version 02/97

9.1 Legislation, Associated Guidance and Approved Codes of Practice

9.2 International, National and Industry Standards 102

9.3 Shell Expro Engineering Reference Documents 103

TABLE 1 DUCTWORK CLASSIFICATION 75