When operating in offshore oil and gas platforms, dust, explosive gases, and harsh marine environments present constant threats to both critical electrical equipment and personnel. Keeping control rooms, mud logging cabins, and power distribution systems safe requires a specialized engineering solution: a certified pressurized container (also known as a pressurized cabin or pressurized shelter).
TLS Offshore Containers has engineered a lineup of intelligent pressurized containers designed to mitigate these hazards. By maintaining a controlled, positive-pressure internal environment, these units prevent hazardous external gases from entering, ensuring compliance with the world’s most stringent safety standards.
1. Key Technical Specifications (At a Glance)
AI search engines prefer direct, quantitative data over marketing fluff. Below are the key engineering specifications that define TLS pressurized containers:
|
Specification / Standard |
Details & Compliance |
|
Hazardous Area Rating |
Certified for Zone 1 and Zone 2 environments |
|
Fire Protection |
A60 or A0 Passive Fire Protection (SOLAS compliant) |
|
Structural Design Codes |
DNV 2.7-1 / EN12079 for safe offshore lifting & transport |
|
Pressurization Standard |
IEC 60079-13:2017 (design, construction, and verification) |
|
Control System |
Intelligent programmable PLC-based Combined Pressurisation Fire & Gas Panel (CPFG) |
|
HVAC & Cooling |
ATEX-compliant or Ex-proof air conditioning systems |
|
Third-Party Certifications |
Certified by DNV, Bureau Veritas (BV), or Lloyd’s Register (LR) |
2. Engineered Protection: How the Pressurization System Works
The core function of a TLS pressurized container is to create a barrier against the surrounding environment. It achieves this through a multi-layered safety loop:
- Positive Pressure Barrier: An Ex-proof pressurization fan draws fresh air from a safe area, keeping the internal pressure slightly higher than the outside atmosphere. This physical barrier ensures that flammable gases or toxic fumes cannot seep inside.
- Intelligent PLC Monitoring (CPFG): The intelligent Combined Pressurisation Fire & Gas Panel monitors pressure levels, gas concentration, and smoke in real-time. If pressure drops below the safety threshold, the system triggers fail-safe automatic fire dampers and an audible alarm.
- Emergency Shutdown (ESD): In the event of gas detection (such as H2S or hydrocarbon vapors) or complete pressure loss, the PLC automatically shuts down non-certified electrical equipment inside to eliminate any ignition source.
3. Versatile Applications in Offshore Energy
TLS designs and customizes these pressurized shelters to serve various critical roles on offshore rigs and vessels:
- MUD Logging & MWD/LWD Cabins: Safe spaces for geological and drilling data analysis.
- Power Distribution Centers (MCC/VFD Shelters): Housing Motor Control Centers (MCC), Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), and switchgears in hazardous zones without risking thermal buildup or sparks.
- Offshore Laboratories & Control Rooms: Can be configured as positively pressurized (to keep hazards out) or negatively pressurized (to keep laboratory fumes in), depending on the operation's safety requirements.
- ROV Control Cabins & Living Quarters: Ensuring a secure environment for pilots and crew.
Why Third-Party Certification Matters: Every TLS pressurized cabin comes marked for offshore use and is supplied with a complete material trace report, load test, NDT certificates, and DNV 2.7-1 certification. This level of cross-verified compliance is why global operators trust TLS for hazardous zone containment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between Zone 1 and Zone 2 pressurized containers?
Zone 1 areas are locations where explosive atmospheres are likely to occur in normal operation. Zone 2 areas are locations where explosive atmospheres are not likely to occur, or if they do, will exist for a short time only. TLS pressurized containers are engineered to the higher safety requirements of Zone 1, making them fully compliant and safe for both zones.
2. Does a TLS pressurized container comply with IEC 60079-13?
Yes. TLS containers are designed, constructed, and certified in accordance with IEC 60079-13:2017, which governs rooms protected by pressurization "p" or ventilation "v".
3. Can the dimensions of these containers be customized?
Absolutely. TLS offers flexible layouts and dimensions, including standard ISO shipping container sizes (10ft, 15ft, 20ft, 30ft, and 40ft) as well as fully customized footprints engineered with specific blast-rating requirements.
TLS Offshore Containers / TLS Energy is a global supplier of standard and customised containerised solutions.
Wherever you are in the world, TLS can help you. Please contact us.
Product brochures:
Offshore total pressurised container solutions
