15 September 2026 14:30
Many of you will remember Roy’s interesting talk on the BP Magnus platform. Hence the Committee were keen to ask him to speak to us again – even if the synopsis below isn’t quite along conventional lines! Roy Allen qualified as an Electrical Engineer in 1969.
He worked in the oil industry from 1975 until 1991. He then trained to become a science teacher. Throughout his engineering and teaching careers he asked many questions, some of which he will answer:
How can high voltage switchgear be located in a zone 1 hazardous area?
Is the Ninian platform operator receiving the correct allocation of oil?
Is the largest UK cheque correct?
Is the (original) Ula Project feasible?
Will the Magnus modules fit on the jacket?
Why are BP platform flare towers vertical?
Why did Piper Alpha catch fire?
If the ground reaction force equals the weight of an object placed on the ground, how does the ground know how hard to push?
Why can't a boardwalk be built on East Preston beach?
What is the difference between HDPE and oak?
Do you need to insure a boardwalk for public liability?
Roy has not undertaken paid electrical work since 1978