Supply and management of labour for small bore tubing installation during the cyber security upgrade at Aberdeen Compressor Station

Project review

Project overview

Client

Technica Ltd

Labour and installation partner

Global Fluid Controls Ltd

Location

Aberdeen Compressor Station

Scope

Supply and management of skilled labour for small bore tubing installation, testing and commissioning support

Executive summary

Global Fluid Controls Ltd was engaged by Technica Ltd to provide and manage skilled labour resources for the installation of small bore tubing associated with the Cyber Security Upgrade Project at Aberdeen Compressor Station.

The project formed part of a wider programme of works aimed at modernising control and monitoring systems, improving cyber resilience, and ensuring the continued safe and reliable operation of critical gas infrastructure. We supplied experienced instrumentation technicians and supervisors to undertake the installation, routing, termination, testing and commissioning support of the small bore tubing systems required for the upgrade.

Successful delivery was achieved through effective labour management, strong safety performance, technical competence and close collaboration with Technica Ltd and site operations personnel.

Project background

As part of the cyber security upgrade strategy, legacy control and instrumentation systems at Aberdeen Compressor Station required modification and enhancement. The scope included the installation of new field instrumentation interfaces and associated pneumatic and process impulse tubing required to support upgraded control and monitoring equipment.

Given the operational importance of the compressor station, the installation works were required to be completed with minimal disruption to ongoing operations while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality. Global Fluid Controls Ltd was selected to provide specialist labour resources with proven experience in instrumentation and small bore tubing installation within high-hazard industrial environments.

Scope of services

Labour supply

• Provision of qualified instrumentation technicians.
• Supply of site supervisors and team leaders.
• Resource planning and workforce coordination.
• Management of labour allocation in line with project milestones.

Installation activities

• Installation of stainless steel small bore tubing systems.
• Tube routing and support installation.
• Fabrication and installation of tube brackets and supports.
• Connection of instrumentation impulse lines.
• Pneumatic control tubing installation.
• Identification and labelling of tubing circuits.
• Leak testing and inspection support.

Project coordination

• Daily interface with Technica Ltd project management.
• Coordination with station operations personnel.
• Management of permit-to-work requirements.
• Progress reporting and productivity monitoring.

Labour management approach

Personnel were selected based on:

• Previous compressor station experience.
• Instrumentation and control system knowledge.
• Small bore tubing installation competence.
• Safety performance records.
• Ability to work within operational gas facilities.

Resource levels were adjusted throughout the project to align with evolving site requirements, ensuring installation activities progressed efficiently while avoiding unnecessary site congestion. Regular coordination meetings reviewed programme progress, upcoming work fronts, safety performance, quality requirements and workforce allocation. This flexible approach enabled Technica Ltd to maintain project momentum while adapting to operational constraints and changing priorities.

Health, safety and quality performance

Key measures included:

• Compliance with site permit-to-work systems.
• Daily toolbox talks and safety briefings.
• Risk assessment and method statement adherence.
• Verification of isolation and access requirements.
• Quality inspection of tubing installations.
• Continuous supervision of installation activities.

All personnel worked in accordance with client safety procedures and industry best practice for work within operational compressor facilities. The project was completed without any significant safety incidents, demonstrating the effectiveness of the planning and supervision processes implemented.

Technical delivery

The small bore tubing installations were completed to a high standard, ensuring reliable operation of the upgraded instrumentation and control systems. Particular attention was given to:

• Installation quality - tubing routed to minimise mechanical stress, vibration effects and future maintenance issues, with clear segregation from existing services.
• System reliability - all connections assembled and inspected to recognised industry standards and project specifications for long-term, leak-free integrity.
• Future maintainability - the installation philosophy prioritised accessibility and clear identification to support future maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Integration with existing infrastructure - close working with Technica Ltd site teams ensured seamless integration between new tubing systems and existing station equipment.

Challenges and solutions

Working within an operational compressor station

The station remained operational throughout much of the project, requiring strict control of installation activities. We coordinated work with site operations personnel and project management teams to ensure works were completed safely and efficiently without impacting critical operations.

Programme coordination

Multiple contractors were working simultaneously within the facility as part of the wider cyber security upgrade programme. Effective supervision and daily communication ensured labour resources were deployed efficiently, avoiding workface clashes and maintaining project progress.

Maintaining installation quality

The project required a high level of workmanship due to the critical nature of the instrumentation systems being upgraded. Experienced instrumentation personnel were selected, with ongoing quality inspections carried out throughout the installation phase to ensure compliance with project specifications.

Project outcome

The company delivered:

• Competent and experienced instrumentation personnel.
• Effective labour and resource management.
• High-quality small bore tubing installation.
• Strong safety performance.
• Reliable support to Technica Ltd project delivery teams.

The completed works contributed to the successful implementation of the upgraded control and monitoring infrastructure, supporting the station's long-term operational security, reliability and resilience.

Conclusion

Global Fluid Controls Ltd played a significant role in the successful delivery of the cyber security upgrade works at Aberdeen Compressor Station through the provision and management of specialist labour for small bore tubing installations. By supplying experienced personnel, maintaining excellent safety standards and working collaboratively with Technica Ltd, the company ensured the project was delivered efficiently, safely and to the required quality standards.

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