3 Key Considerations for Faster Offshore Operations During Winter
Everyone in offshore management knows that the output of a high-volume platform, along with the long list of demanding tasks required to keep it operational, won’t pause just because winter weather has arrived. With tough tasks needing to be completed year-round, effective heating becomes crucial. The right high-performance heating solution can significantly speed up work, especially when time is of the essence during colder months.
Our offshore specialists share three key considerations for achieving faster, more efficient results through smarter industrial heating.
1. Invest in High-Quality Heating Early
Upgrading to more efficient heating systems can drastically improve project timelines before even starting. For example, one North Shore operator needed 48 hours to bring an area to a specified temperature. However, by replacing the standard heater with a high-performance unit like the SA Flexiheat ATEX Heater, the time needed to reach the desired temperature was reduced to just one hour. This allows projects to start on time and increases operational efficiency.
Therefore, investing in high-quality, specialized heating solutions from the outset will help to speed up pre-work conditions like temperature regulation, and reduce delays caused by inefficient equipment.
2. Make Equipment Work Harder
Heating equipment designed for extreme offshore environments can provide remarkable results. For example, a platform’s drinking water tank required blasting and painting. By using the appropriate heater around the clock to assist with drying after steam cleaning, the tank was ready for use five days ahead of schedule.
Ensuring that heating systems are tailored to the specific environmental conditions and tasks is crucial. Running these systems continuously when needed, such as for drying, curing, or preventing freeze-ups, can greatly minimise downtime and accelerate project completion.
3. Consider Curing Times
Offshore professionals are likely familiar with how relative humidity can hinder tasks like painting and coating, as it prevents proper curing and causes delays. With limited options, either removing moisture or increasing air temperature, the SA Flexiheat ATEX Heater tackles both challenges. It increases temperature while simultaneously reducing humidity by up to 20% for every 10% increase in temperature. This helps accelerate curing times and avoid delays.
Managing humidity in offshore environments is pivotal, particularly when performing tasks that involve curing. Using specialised industrial heaters that not only increase temperature but also control moisture levels can help accelerate processes and ensure high-quality finishes, eliminating the need to wait for natural drying or curing times.
Flexiheat ATEX Heaters
SA Equip’s Flexiheat products offer convenient plug-and-play heating solutions, including the SA Flexiheat Heating Jacket and the SA Flexiheat High Power Heating Jacket. These products come with standard offshore fittings, making them ideal for use in the oil and gas industry.
Since the 1920s, SA Equip has been a leader in service, expertise, and in-house product development. With a strong foundation in the most challenging shipping and oil industry environments, SA Equip has served global clients across industries such as shipping, aerospace, defence, and pharmaceuticals.
For information on our products, please get in touch with our knowledgeable team.
