In addition to having received very positive feedback on Reference as an operational lighting solution, general interest has also triggered new possibilities and areas of application. During the summer of 2009, StatoilHydro decided to implement the solution as standard portable emergency equipment within each sleeping cabin at their Visund oil rig.
A total of 93 Reference TX40 torches and chargers certified for EX zones were installed on Visund. Embedded features introduce both automatic emergency lighting during potential black outs, and a portable and reliable Ex light source in the case of an evacuation. The cabin implementation increases safety, reduces inspection requirements, and removes any accumulated cost of replacement batteries, light bulbs, and other spare parts. With an estimated installation time of 10 minutes per cabin, and a self maintained battery solution, there’s hope that Reference will become a standard within accommodation areas offshore.
As a result of the Visund installation, other major contributors within the oil and gas industry have shown interest, and may follow in StatoilHydros footsteps. Both Arne Martin Gjøseid and Einar Lende are pleased with these latest developments, and confident that the HERNIS torch range in time has the potential to reach many new segments and application areas.
