Introduction

The oil and gas industry, from exploration and production (upstream) to refining and petrochemicals (downstream), relies heavily on robust and reliable electrical systems to power its complex operations. These systems are critical for everything from drilling rigs and pumping stations to process control, safety instrumentation, and vast distribution networks. Operating in often hazardous and remote environments, electrical infrastructure in oil and gas faces unique challenges, including explosive atmospheres, corrosive conditions, extreme temperatures, and the imperative for uninterrupted power supply to prevent costly downtime and ensure personnel safety. The efficient design, meticulous installation, and rigorous maintenance of these systems are paramount for maximizing productivity, minimizing environmental impact, and adhering to stringent international safety standards. Without a deep understanding of Electrical Systems in Oil and Gas Operations, engineers and technicians risk compromising operational integrity, safety compliance, and overall project profitability, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this critical domain. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Electrical Systems in Oil and Gas Operations.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, operations managers, maintenance technicians, safety officers, and project personnel within the oil and gas sector with the theoretical understanding and practical insights necessary to effectively manage and optimize Electrical Systems in Oil and Gas Operations. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of power generation and distribution within oil and gas facilities, learn about hazardous area classification and explosion protection techniques, and acquire hands-on experience in selecting, installing, and maintaining electrical equipment in demanding environments. The course will delve into topics such as motors and motor control, protective relaying, earthing and bonding, emergency power systems, compliance with international standards (e.g., IEC, ATEX, NEC), and critical safety procedures for electrical work in flammable atmospheres. By mastering the principles and practical application of Electrical Systems in Oil and Gas Operations, participants will be prepared to enhance operational reliability, improve safety performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute significantly to the efficient and secure functioning of vital oil and gas assets.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Engineers (Oil & Gas Projects, Operations, Maintenance)
• Maintenance Supervisors and Technicians (Electrical)
• Plant Operators (Oil & Gas Facilities)
• Safety Officers (Electrical Safety Focus)
• Project Engineers (Oil & Gas)
• Instrumentation and Control Engineers
• Drilling and Production Engineers
• Engineering Consultants (Oil & Gas)
• Reliability and Asset Management Professionals
• Fresh Graduates entering the Oil & Gas Sector

Objectives

• Understand the unique electrical requirements and challenges in oil and gas environments.
• Learn about hazardous area classification and explosion protection concepts.
• Acquire skills in designing and selecting electrical equipment for hazardous locations.
• Comprehend techniques for power generation and distribution within oil and gas facilities.
• Explore strategies for protective relaying and fault analysis in industrial power systems.
• Understand the importance of earthing, bonding, and lightning protection.
• Gain insights into emergency power systems and UPS for critical loads.
• Develop a practical understanding of electrical safety procedures and relevant international standards.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Electrical Systems in Oil & Gas Context

• Overview of oil and gas operations (upstream, midstream, downstream) and their electrical demands.
• The role of electrical power in drilling, production, refining, and transportation.
• Unique environmental and operational challenges (hazardous areas, corrosive environments, remote locations).
• Importance of reliability, safety, and efficiency in oil & gas electrical systems.
• Key international and industry standards (IEC, API, NEC, ATEX).

Module 2: Hazardous Area Classification and Explosion Protection

• Understanding flammable atmospheres: gases, vapors, dusts.
• Principles of hazardous area classification (Zones, Divisions, Classes, Groups, Temperature Codes).
• Different methods of explosion protection (Ex d, Ex e, Ex i, Ex p, Ex m, Ex q, Ex o, Ex n).
• Selection of appropriate explosion-protected equipment.
• Installation requirements for hazardous areas.

Module 3: Power Generation and Distribution in Oil & Gas Facilities

• On-site power generation: gas turbines, diesel generators, combined heat and power (CHP).
• Utility grid connection and challenges.
• Medium and low voltage distribution networks: switchgear, transformers, motor control centers (MCCs).
• Load flow analysis and short circuit calculations for facility networks.
• Power management systems for optimal generation and load sharing.

Module 4: Motors, Drives, and Control Systems

• Types of electric motors used in oil & gas (induction, synchronous, DC).
• Variable Speed Drives (VSDs/VFDs) for pumps, compressors, and fans.
• Motor starting methods and protection.
• Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Distributed Control Systems (DCS) for electrical control.
• Instrumentation and control interfacing with electrical systems.

Module 5: Protective Relaying and Fault Analysis

• Principles of protective relaying: detection, discrimination, speed, reliability.
• Types of protective relays used in oil & gas (overcurrent, differential, distance, earth fault).
• Coordination of protective devices for selectivity.
• Fault types in electrical systems (short circuits, earth faults) and their analysis.
• Setting calculations for protective relays.

Module 6: Earthing, Bonding, and Lightning Protection

• Importance of effective earthing and bonding for safety and equipment protection.
• Types of earthing systems (TT, TN, IT).
• Design considerations for earthing grids in oil & gas facilities.
• Lightning protection systems for tall structures (masts, flare stacks).
• Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) for sensitive equipment.

Module 7: Emergency Power, UPS, and Battery Systems

• Role of emergency generators for critical loads.
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems: types (online, offline, line-interactive) and sizing.
• Battery technologies for UPS and control power (lead-acid, Ni-Cd, Li-ion).
• Design considerations for emergency lighting and essential services.
• Fire and gas detection system power supply.

Module 8: Electrical Safety, Maintenance, and Asset Integrity

• Electrical hazards in oil & gas: arc flash, electrocution, fire, explosion.
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures for electrical isolation.
• Permitting systems for electrical work (e.g., PTW).
• Predictive and preventive maintenance strategies for electrical equipment.
• Asset integrity management for aging electrical infrastructure.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.