Petra Consultants

Safe. Efficient. Proven.

Website

About the firm

Petra Consultants is a multi-discipline engineering practice employing petroleum, mechanical, civil, and electrical engineers with wide-ranging experience in the energy industry. Established in 1996, it provides engineering, design, regulatory compliance, project management, and construction management services to energy producers operating offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and onshore in Louisiana, Texas, and Wyoming.

Established
1996
Firm type
Civil Engineering · Structural Engineering · Electrical Engineering · Mechanical Engineering · Petroleum Engineering

People

Michael L. TrahanSr. Project Manager / Petroleum Engineer

Kirk TravasosSr. Construction Supervisor

Katherine TrahanProject Manager / Mechanical Engineer

James PerretSr. Project Manager

Mark F. BrownStructural Analyst / Civil Engineer

Capabilities

Engineering Services

Service website

Petra Consultants delivers technical expertise to address the facility, pipeline, and operational needs of energy operators, bringing hands-on field construction and project management experience to each engagement.

  • Process Modeling

    Simulation and modeling of processes for oil and gas production facilities to optimize design and operations.

  • P&ID Development

    Creating and updating Process and Instrumentation Diagrams for new, expanded, or modified production systems.

  • Cause and Effect Diagrams

    Developing safety and control system logic documentation to map facility shutdowns and control sequences.

  • Piping Design

    Engineering robust piping layouts for onshore and offshore facilities, gathering networks, and pipelines.

  • Pipe Stress Analysis

    Performing detailed pipe stress analyses using Caesar II software to verify structural integrity and compliance.

  • Structural Design

    Designing structural components including decks, jackets, and onshore facility supports to withstand environmental loads.

  • Instrumentation and Electrical Design

    Planning and engineering power distribution, control loops, and instrumentation for safe facility operations.

  • Debottlenecking and Optimization Studies

    Conducting systematic studies to identify capacity constraints and implementing solutions to increase throughput.

  • Pipe Network Modeling

    Using hydraulic modeling tools to analyze complex pipeline gathering and distribution systems.

  • Process Hazard Analysis

    Facilitating structured risk assessment methodologies such as HAZOP and safety reviews for oil and gas infrastructure.

Drafting and Design

Service website

Utilizing modern 3D design software and laser scanning technologies, the drafting team generates precise construction drawings and as-built documentation.

  • 3D Modeling

    Creating highly detailed three-dimensional models of process facilities to streamline layout and clash detection.

  • Laser Scanning

    Capturing high-definition spatial data of existing facilities to integrate into 3D environments for retrofits and modifications.

  • Modular Design

    Designing standardized, skid-mounted process equipment packages and modular facility structures.

  • Equipment Package Design

    Drafting mechanical and structural layouts for process equipment skids and custom packages.

  • Structural Drafting

    Drafting detailed structural plans for offshore jackets, decks, and onshore facility foundations.

  • Control Panel Design

    Designing custom electrical, pneumatic, and programmable logic controller (PLC) panels for process automation.

Regulatory Compliance

Service website

The regulatory practice ensures facilities conform to industry codes, standards, recommended practices, and specifications while managing necessary state and federal permitting.

  • API 14C Safety Analysis

    Developing Safety Flow Diagrams and SAFE charts in full compliance with API 14C recommended practices.

  • Environmental Permitting

    Preparing and submitting permit applications to the EPA and state environmental agencies for air, water, and waste.

  • Facilities and Pipeline Permitting

    Securing state and federal permits from regulatory bodies like BSEE for new facilities, pipelines, and major modifications.

  • Vent Studies

    Analyzing facility vent and relief systems to verify compliance with environmental and safety guidelines.

  • Structural Permitting

    Assembling structural analysis documentation and submitting permit applications for platform and facility modifications.

Project Management

Service website

Experienced project managers oversee all aspects of the asset lifecycle, prioritizing structured communication, detailed planning, and cost control.

  • AFE Development

    Developing detailed Approved for Expenditure estimates and managing ongoing cost tracking against project budgets.

  • Project Scheduling

    Establishing integrated milestone schedules to align engineering, procurement, and field construction.

  • Procurement Support

    Conducting technical vendor bid evaluations, reviewing vendor data, and facilitating contract reviews.

Construction Management

Service website

Construction professionals supervise the fabrication and installation of energy processing facilities and pipelines, ensuring alignment with engineering specifications.

  • Fabrication Supervision

    Providing on-site oversight during the fabrication of process equipment, piping, and structural components.

  • Construction Supervision

    Managing on-site installation activities for onshore pipeline networks and offshore platform components.

  • Constructability Reviews

    Evaluating engineering designs early in the planning phase to optimize construction safety, schedule, and cost.

  • Mechanical Integrity Support

    Developing and implementing corrosion mitigation, industrial painting, and mechanical integrity programs.

Industries

Oil & Gas · Marine · Power Generation

Projects

4-Pile Jacket, Deck and Facilities Design

Gulf of Mexico · Oil & Gas · Client: Energy XXI

Project details

Design of a 4-pile jacket structure, deck, and production facilities for an offshore Gulf of Mexico platform.

La Posada Intracoastal Waterway Development

Intracoastal Waterway, Louisiana · Oil & Gas · Client: PetroQuest Energy Inc.

Project details

Engineering and facilities development along the Louisiana Intracoastal Waterway.

Bridger Swan Ranch

Cheyenne, WY · Oil & Gas · Client: Bridger

Project details

Onshore production facility design for the Swan Ranch project in Wyoming.

Permian Basin Production Facilities

Permian Basin, Texas · Oil & Gas · Client: Sable Permian Resources

Project details

Engineering services for production facility design and installation in the Permian Basin.

Petra Consultants - Engineering Firms