Sign In
Welcome! Sign In to personalize your Cat.com experience
If you already have an existing account with another Cat App, you can use the same account to sign in here
Register Now
One Account. All of Cat.
Your Caterpillar account is the single account you use to log in to select services and applications we offer. Shop for parts and machines online, manage your fleet, go mobile, and more.
Account Information
Site Settings
Security
Cat Dealer Eneria Cat’s Power Solution Helps Global Energy Company Reduce Risks Off the Coast of Africa
Eighty kilometers off the coast of the Republic of Congo lies the Moho Nord Field, the African nation’s largest ever oil exploration and production project. Operated by global energy company Total, it consists of 45 subsea wells tied back to floating production units and a new tension leg platform. Providing back-up power on this platform is a specially designed diesel generator set featuring a Cat® engine—one that meets stringent European Union standards for safe operation.
“For Total, the biggest issue is to optimize the extraction of crude oil without process interruption in hazardous areas,” says Vincent Reynal, Global Petroleum Manager at Eneria, the Cat dealer that provided the custom solution. “They needed a back-up diesel generator certified ATEX to reduce explosion risks.”
ATEX is the European regulatory framework for the manufacture, installation and use of equipment in explosive atmospheres. Because the Moho Nord Field is designated an ATEX Zone 2 hazardous area, any ignition source requires a high level of protection to prevent contact between hot sources and leaked gases.
To ensure Total could meet these strict requirements, Eneria’s engineering team paired a Cat C32 engine with an IP 23 alternator to supply the necessary power of 500 ekW. The dealer then packaged the two units inside a soundproof enclosure featuring a fire-extinguishing water mist system and black-start capability. The enclosure is removable, allowing for easy maintenance access.
The resulting stand-alone package, which has since been installed onboard the tension leg platform in the Moho Nord Field, was certified by a ATEX Notified Body. It holds DNV GL marine certification as well.
“This unique ATEX package is the result of hundreds of hours of engineering and documentation management,” says Vincent Reynal. “This emergency diesel generator solution is not only helping Total reduce the risk of shutdown due to power outage, but also enabling the company to operate more safely.”
Cat® dealer Eneria’s custom solution to meet ATEX requirements included a C32 engine packaged in a soundproof enclosure, with a fire-extinguishing water mist system and black-start capability.