Safety and maintenance go hand in hand. The lower the servicing and replacement requirements, the lower the risk to life in dangerous conditions. Lighting equipment plays an essential part in the safety and efficiency of offshore operations. Its functionality is evident, but the physical location of lights on a platform sometimes means that the maintenance aspect is classified as being highly dangerous. When looking for low-cost, reliable solutions with the highest safety levels, maintenance-free lighting is the key.
By incorporating state-of-the-art induction and light-emitting diode (LED) technology into their products, IMT is able to supply offshore operators with a full package of maintenance-free lighting solutions, from single luminaires to complete NavAids systems including control components and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems.
Superior Lighting in Extreme Conditions
Equipment installed offshore must be manufactured to withstand the environmental and mechanical extremes imposed upon it, including exposure to water, the salty atmosphere, humidity and constant vibration. Additionally, some areas are designated as hazardous, with the possible risk of explosion. IMT’s IQL lighting system, based on Philips induction lighting technology, offers the strength to withstand these conditions.
Protected by IMT’s patented sealed-for-life housing, the system has a 10-year warranty and 100,000 hour life-expectancy. This means 11.5 years of continuous light without changing a single bulb. The lights are insensitive to vibration and ignite and re-ignite immediately even in extreme temperatures (from -40ºC to +55ºC).
The IQL lighting system has already proved itself offshore in applications such as general lighting (replacing fluorescents), obstruction lighting, helideck perimeter lighting and helideck floodlighting. Emergency lighting is a key factor offshore because it provides a safe escape route for personnel even in the most difficult circumstances. The inspection and maintenance of this type of lighting is highly labour-intensive. IMT has brought emergency lighting technology up to a new level and has developed a luminaire that dispenses with maintenance requirements without compromising on safety.
IMT’s emergency light is completely self-monitoring and contains two light sources. The main illumination is provided by the induction lamp, which is maintenance-free and has a life expectancy of 100,000 hours. The emergency illumination is provided by six high-intensity LEDs, built into the same sealed-for-life housing. The LEDs are shock-resistant to 10G, which means that a lit escape route is virtually guaranteed even in the most extreme conditions. IMT’s battery solution is totally sealed, free of nickel and cadmium and able to provide three hours of light instantaneously when required. At regular intervals, the on-board electronics monitor the functionality of the luminaire without any manual intervention. A visual inspection is all that is needed to establish the status of the emergency light. Additionally, IMT’s emergency light, including the battery, is guaranteed for 10 years – something that was previously unheard of for this type of equipment.
NavAids Systems and New Technology
Advances in technology make LED luminaires an ideal choice for offshore signalling applications. New legislation (CAP437) is forcing operators of normally unattended installations (NUIs) to install helideck status (also known as wave-off light) signalling systems. The system, manufactured and patented by IMT, has made significant technological breakthroughs. The lighting unit uses state-of-the-art LED technology and is the most compact unit currently available on the market. The power consumption is very low compared with other technologies. The sealed-for-life units are maintenance-free for at least 80,000 hours and have an eight-year operational warranty. The system can be stand-alone with its own battery backup, or be integrated into the existing NavAids battery system. The microprocessor-based controller is located in an EExd (European Harmonised Standard for use in explosive atmospheres) certified central control box, available in seawater resistant alloy or grade 316L stainless steel, and interfaces with the platform’s safety systems to initiate and monitor the status/wave-off light. The system can be easily adapted to suit the variety of platform designs and different requirements, for example the number of lights, control functions, monitoring and battery back-up.
IMT have applied the same principle to other signalling applications, such as 10nm ubiquitous code (U-code) lanterns for NavAids systems and medium-intensity aircraft warning lights. Again using state-of-theart LED technology, the units are some of the most compact currently available. These sealed-for-life units are maintenance-free for at least 80,000 hours and carry an eight-year operational warranty.
Cost of Ownership
Offshore, the key driver for cost-saving opportunities is maintenancefree solutions. Operators are recognising this fact and the initial purchasing cost is no longer the main decision criterion for the choice of light used. By means of a simple software program, total cost of ownership (TCO) can be demonstrated. It shows that installation, transport, inspection, safety and lamp replacement costs are the highest of all lighting-related costs. An IQL lighting system used offshore can have a payback time of as little as one year. For example, two IQL 85W luminaires can replace up to three 2 x 36W fluorescents, reducing installation and energy costs. The sealed-for-life IQL luminaires require no maintenance as the bulbs and electronics do not need to be replaced. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK has confirmed that only a visual inspection is required. Operators at BP, Shell, Chevron, Exxon, Wintershall, Gaz de France, Petrofac and ConocoPhillips have all chosen IMT’s maintenance-free lighting solutions.
Helideck Lighting IMT’s helideck lighting systems meet International Civil Aviation Organization standards. In addition, they have been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) according to CAA‘s latest CAP 437 directives. The range comprises:
- green perimeters;
- helideck floodlights;
- wave-off lights, main lights and repeater lights; and
- illuminated windsock installations.
All induction lighting products have, as standard, an operational guarantee of 10 years. LED products carry an eight-year warranty.
Navigation Systems
These include modular or integrated systems. IMT offers a choice between standard products or customised products designed to specific requirements. Whatever is required, the products are manufactured with a focus on long life, reliability and safety. Examples of equipment available:
- hazard warning and navigation lighting;
- fog horns;
- detectors for fog and visibility;
- energy systems, such as solar cell panels or battery back-up systems; and
- UPS systems.
General and Emergency Lighting Luminaires
All lighting in this category is maintenance-free and typically carries a 10 year warranty. New to our range are lighting systems with decentralised emergency lighting, again maintenance-free and with a 10 year guarantee. Examples include:
- floodlights;
- illuminated name signs;
- high bay and wide-beam lights;
- ceiling lighting; and
- signalling and obstruction lighting.
More Information
If you have any questions with respect to specific applications, IMT’s agents, distributors and sales force will be happy to tell you more about IMT products. For the appropriate contact and/or further information, please visit www.imt.eu
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