Flare & Relief System Verification

Flare and Relief System Verification A mechanical relief device provides the last line of defence against overpressure and experience has shown that many factors can compromise its effectiveness.

These can include: -- Inadequacies in the original design -- Under estimation of the impact of design changes on relief systems throughout the facility’s life -- Major integrity risks not being appreciated -- Inadequate inspection and maintenance.

Verification of a plant’s relief systems can be a daunting experience, particularly when the available information is poor. Although operators recognize the importance of flare and relief systems, many do not have a clear understanding of the basis of design.

Bespoke Study of a Known Concern

Detailed Flare and Relief Assessment of Entire Facility

Reduce scope based on experience from other assessments.

Prioritize systems based on: --Toxicity --Flammability --Pressure Levels --Inventory

worleyparsons.com

Risk Prioritized Assessment

Customer Value Delivered

Prioritized Flare and Relief Assessment of an Offshore Facility Challenge With a limited budget a full evaluation of all relief protection was out of the question. The customer engaged WorleyParsons to undertake a study which prioritized relief systems that carried the greatest operational risk.

Solution Extensive experience from similar studies gave insight on where to focus attention.

Systems were prioritized in terms of expected safety severity in the event of failure and likelihood of the event. Known concerns were also included as part of the assessment.

INTERNATIONAL OIL COMPANY NORTH SEA, UK

Value delivered The study provided a cost effective way of identifying operational risk, and learnings were carried forward to similar assets to maximize the effectiveness.

The site mechanical inspection fed back useful information to qualify some of the issues identified and to quantify the level of risk.

Short and long term mitigating measures were proposed to reduce ongoing risk.

Petrochemical Plant Disposal System Assessment Challenge With the plant in excess of 40 years old and having undergone a number of modifications, together with the introduction of new process units, there was a lack of awareness of coincident flaring scenarios that could result in overloading the flare.

The customer was clearly uncomfortable about doing a full study evaluation but needed some idea of the system limitations in particular with future uprates pending.

Solution A joint workshop reviewed and agreed a series of conservative assumptions to allow the study to proceed with the minimum amount of background information.

Sensitivity cases were run on the major flare load contributors to ascertain which upstream pressure systems should be prioritized for more detailed assessment.

CHEMICALS COMPANY EUROPE

Value delivered The study provided a cost effective means of ensuring that further work was only channelled into systems which could demonstrate the most benefit.

The extent of future mechanical modifications was minimized.

For more information, contact: Clive Hedley Manager of Projects, Consulting P: +44 208 326 5267 E: Clive.Hedley@worleyparsons.com

Mike Falgowski Technical Director Flare and Relief P: +44 208 121 6594 E: Mike.Falgowski@worleyparsons.com

Aimee Colwell Consultant, Flare and Relief P: +44 208 121 1184 E: Aimee.Colwell@worleyparsons.com