GMC
News
Pressure Testing at Mongstad – for Operations and Safety

Mongstad is Norway’s largest oil refinery and is located north of Bergen. The refinery plays a key role in processing crude oil into finished products. Mongstad is also home to the world’s largest technology pilots for carbon capture, making it an important site for innovation in environmentally friendly energy solutions. Photo: Equinor.

Pressure testing at Mongstad – operations and safety

GMC HVAC recently conducted a pressure test at the Mongstad facility as part of efforts to ensure operations and safety. The test was carried out to verify that the building structure is sealed, which is crucial for meeting stricter operational safety requirements now and in the future.

GMC HVAC has a framework agreement with Equinor for the operation of HVAC systems at the refinery.

“Our HVAC technicians and engineers have expertise in ventilation and balancing. We provide everything related to ventilation systems, cooling systems, and automation for these systems. With a pressure test like this, we ensure the safety in the buildings here at Mongstad. GMC ensures that all pressure tests are conducted in accordance with industry standards and regulations,” says Tom Harestad, Senior HVAC Engineer at GMC HVAC.

Mann som smiler med parkeringsplass i bakgrunnen

“Commissioning, or balancing of ventilation systems, is performed to maintain positive pressure in the building, ensuring that there is more air inside than outside, so that air is pushed out rather than the other way around. This is crucial for mitigating gas hazards and dust, among other concerns. It’s particularly rewarding when the customer is pleased with the results,” says Tom Harestad, Senior HVAC Engineer at GMC.

The advantage of a pressure test is that it allows you to assess the building’s integrity. Furthermore, you can evaluate measures for sealing to prevent gas ingress during potential accidents.

At Mongstad, the building is designed to maintain positive pressure through “safe by ventilation” to prevent gas intrusion and comply with PS2 requirements from PETIL.

Thank you for the thorough review of the work completed and for a job well done. We look forward to further collaboration and pressure testing.

Alf Egil Holland

Multiconsult Bergen

Alf Egil Holland from Multiconsult Bergen is designing the facilities for Equinor at Mongstad. He thanks GMC HVAC for their good cooperation and thorough execution of the project.