Crestchic, one of the leading manufacturers of loadbanks and packaged transformers, has secured a fifth order from NOV Portable Power for a 4.0 MVA step-up containerised transformer to support a series of offshore power installations. The end result provided NOV Portable Power with a compact, weather-proof and highly versatile transformer solution.
Based in Aberdeen, Scotland, NOV Portable Power markets and manufactures rental products that supply power to a variety of locations. It is part of National Oilwell Varco® (NOV), a leading worldwide provider of equipment and components used in the oil and gas industry.
NOV Portable Power first approached Crestchic in 2012 to request a 2.9 MVA containerised transformer for general power rental applications. Since then, the company has placed a further four orders, with the most recent being the 4.0 MVA step-up transformer packaged in a bespoke 10ft container enclosure for offshore decommissioning purposes.
The solution needed to be flexible to accommodate various voltages and compact footprints. The 4.0 MVA multi-tap transformer provided the customer with a variety of voltages up to 14,400V and a range input voltage for the generators. This means the transformer is suitable for a variety of projects with different voltage requirements, in comparison with other options, such as a generator with a MV alternator, which would be unsuitable for this requirement as its voltage cannot be changed to match the needs of different applications.
The transformers came filled with Midel oil, which is proven to offer an environmentally friendly synthetic alternative to other fluids such as mineral oil. Midel transformer oil is a non-flammable material ensuring fire safety, which is a key requirement when operating offshore.
To provide additional safety benefits, Crestchic’s transformers are fitted with ABB class leading Safeplus medium voltage switchgear, with either low voltage Schneider Electric (formerly Merlin Gerin) master pack air circuit breakers and/or three/four pole isolators which allow individual generators to be taken in and out of service without disrupting overall power supply.
Steve Smith, General Manager UK at NOV commented: “We have a strong and professional working relationship with Crestchic and that is why we have continued to use them for our power needs. They have once again provided us with a solution in line with our requirements. Offering compact design, ease of use and a weather-proof container, as well as flexibility in voltages there really was only one choice when we needed a new transformer.”
Paul Brickman, Marketing and Sales Director at Crestchic added: “This is the fifth order from NOV, which is testament to our hard work and commitment to the relationship. We are extremely proud to be working with such a well-established company in the oil and gas sector.”
Crestchic is one of the leading specialists in loadbank manufacturing and testing solutions. Manufacturing since 1983, Crestchic is the largest loadbank specialist in the world, with extensive expertise and the capability to develop tailor-made testing solutions from standard size resistive and reactive loadbanks to custom-designed and built loadbanks of any size, at a range of voltages and frequencies.
Crestchic’s oil-filled ISO-accredited transformers are built with significant reinforcement in the oil tanks and are more robust for the demanding environments of the portable rental market.
For more information on NOV Portable Power, visit: www.nov.com
