In the past, electrical systems on drilling rigs were very robust. The older electrical system worked adequately, but today with the new PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) operated equipment and sensitive microprocessors and computers on board all of the rigs, we need to take another look at the system. The spikes in the electrical system cause damage to all of the equipment. This results in downtime and replacement cost of the equipment. Your electrical system can be cleaned up and the damaging spikes can be removed by installing electrical Transient Voltage Surge Suppression (TVSS).

It is important to note that each drilling rig has a finite distribution system. When applying TVSS it is important to realize that when a common bus is protected, all equipment on the bus is protected from internally and externally generated transients.

The exception is that the SCR main bus is very large and to maximize protection, each SCR will be protected individually with a three-phase TVSS. By applying TVSS in this manner to the SCR bays, you have isolated SCR gating from one SCR to the next as well as protected the 600V main distribution bus more effectively. All other MCCs, distribution panels and sub panels are isolated from the transients that are generated within the rig power distribution system by the application of TVSS. This is the most effective manner to apply TVSS.

To effectively apply TVSS to a drilling rig environment, the following needs to be evaluated:

The average maintenance cost reduction with the Magney Grande TVSS is 60% with a documented payback period of 6 months for US Navy ships. These ships operate with the same type of finite power distribution system that is seen in drilling rig environments. The complete US Navy Return on Investment studies are available from Magney Grande by phone request, 888.722.3420. Call today for more information.