DNV GL is building a new conference centre and large-scale fire and explosion demonstration area at their unique major hazard testing and research centre in Cumbria, UK. The new training facility, which will greatly enhance experiential learning for the oil and gas, chemical and security industries is due to be completed in December 2015.
The testing and research centre is the largest facility of its kind in the UK and features some of the world's most advanced destructive and non-destructive test facilities. Being remotely located within RAF Spadeadam Ministry of Defence land in the Cumbrian courtryside, it is possible to carry out confidential large-scale major hazard tests, including flammable gas dispersion, fires, explosions, pipeline fracture tests, blast and product testing in a safe and secure environment.
The centre was first developed in the 1950’s by the Ministry of Defence as part of the Blue Streak Rocket programme, for the development of a British medium-range ballistic missile. It is available for the use of the oil and gas, process and energy sectors, as well as to security and government agencies.
Spadeadam now offers extensive testing of products, equipment and processes especially relating to the energy and process industry operations, but also for engineering, construction and defence. There are more than fifteen separate test facilities that are maintained and constantly being developed to simulate most of the hazards that the oil and gas industries could experience. In addition, test rigs are purpose built for specific test requirements.