STS/ENERFLEX, PDO Sadad North Early Development Facility – Oman
Asset Type
Propane Refrigeration System
Project Location
PDO Sadad North Early Development Facility, Oman
Project Environment
COVID-19 restricted execution
Project Phase
Pre-commissioning / Commissioning
Required Vacuum Level
1.3 mbar absolute
Target Dew Point
–20°C
Scope
System vacuum drying, engineering review, execution and handover
The Propane Refrigeration System at the PDO Sadad North Early Development Facility needed to be thoroughly dried and prepared for refrigerant charging at an absolute pressure of 1.3 mbar with a –20°C dew point. Under normal conditions, achieving deep vacuum drying on a large, complex system demands precise engineering control to avoid moisture freezing inside the equipment. During the COVID-19 restrictions, the challenge intensified. Limited manpower movement, strict onsite controls and compressed schedules increased the pressure on safe, right-first-time execution. A leak-free system at 1.3 mbar was mandatory before the client could charge propane, and any deviation would risk delays, asset integrity issues, or compromised system reliability.
Hydratight deployed its specialist engineering team and complete vacuum-drying setup designed for medium- and small-scale critical systems. Using our in-house online drying estimator, the team modelled system volumes and predicted drying behaviour to plan the optimal procedure. Our vacuum drying method reduces system pressure to 1–2 mbar absolute, lowering the boiling point of water to 25–30°C. This accelerates evaporation and significantly reduces drying time compared to conventional methods. Key delivery elements included:
Engineering review of system readiness and leak-tightness
Controlled vacuum drying to achieve 1.3 mbar absolute pressure
Monitoring dew point to reach –20°C requirement
Verification that no moisture remained within the equipment
Safe handover to the client at vacuum stage for propane charging
If you require vacuum drying, leak testing or other specialist pre-commissioning services, our regional teams are ready to support your schedule and protect asset integrity.
Speak to Hydratight today for expert assistance on your next critical operation.
