Gauge - pressure indicator
Associated
Maureen Alpha Platform
Date1980s
Object Namegauge
Mediummetal, glass
ClassificationsNorth Sea Oil and Gas Industries
Dimensions11.1 x 16cm
LocationOn Display - Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Object numberABDMS045184
Keywords
- pressure indicator
There were 2 reciprocating four stage compressors on Maureen, situated on the East side of the upper deck.
Such compressors compress the gas removed from the oil to allow it to safely be transferred to shore by tanker. During the compression process some of the gas is abstracted and used as fuel for the generators that power the systems aboard the installation and to provide heating.
After further compression of the oil, the gas produced is fed back down the well to boost extraction of the hydrocarbons from the reservoir.
At all stages pressure is critical to maintain production and safety.
Such gauges acted as a visual check on the deck for the crew. Today instrumentation is mainly digital allowing the work to be monitored onshore as well as on the platform.
When the hydrocarbons are extracted from the reservoir it goes through a series of processes where it is pressurised to extract different elements before it is pumped ashore. Maintaining the correct pressure is vital during the process to ensure it is done safely and efficiently.
This gauge gave a visual indication of pressure within the compressor.
