UK-based Pyroban, a wholly owned division of Caterpillar, said it had launched a new explosion-proof diesel engine control system at Offshore Technology Conference (OTC 2012) held recently in Houston, US.

PCS 2 works in conjunction with the typical Pyroban kit and helps ensure maximum safety when diesel engines are used in hazardous areas offshore, said a statement from the company.

The new PCS 2 from Pyroban acts as the “brain” of the explosion proof safety system and links into the control system of a complete well service unit. It can be used on any electronically controlled engine, it is ATEX 94/9/EC and IECEx certified and has five principle shutdown features.

In the event of an engine overspeed condition, typically at about 2,300rpm, a switch triggers both the fuel shut-off and the Pyroban air intake shutdown valve to ensure that the engine shuts down, it added. 

Rob Double, from Pyroban, describes the overspeed condition. 'If flammable gas is present in the atmosphere, the engine can suck the gases in. Gas mixed with air and diesel fuel can lead to the engine running out of control at elevated speed resulting in catastrophic failure of the engine,' he explained.

'It can also lead to flashbacks through the inlet or backfires in the exhaust which could ignite the surrounding atmosphere.  PCS 2 is designed to ensure this never happens,' he stated.

'Similarly, if the exhaust gas temperatures reach 195ºC, the water temperature reaches 105ºC or the oil pressure drops, the fuel is shut-off bringing the engine to a controlled stop. In emergency situations there is also an emergency stop that stops the fuel and also triggers the air intake shutdown valve,' said Double.

According to him, Pyroban is well known for supplying complete explosion proof diesel engine kits that help prevent an engine from being the source of an ignition from hot surfaces, engine overspeed or sparks.

'A typical Pyroban kit includes an exhaust gas cooler, a shutdown valve to prevent engine overspeed and flame from the inlet, flame and spark arrestors, safety solutions for all electrics, a safe turbocharger and other safety critical components. An alternator, battery and radiator can also be added to the kit,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service