Title : Innovative Flaring Reduction: Transitioning offshore gas platforms to maintenance flaring
Abstract:
Objectives/Scope: Minimizing greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions has become a critical priority in global efforts to mitigate climate change. In response, oil and gas industry designers are integrating emission-reduction strategies into facility designs, notably by replacing continuous flaring with maintenance flaring through the implementation of High Integrity Pressure Protection Systems (HIPS). However, existing facilities with continuous flares remain a major source of CO? emissions and energy losses. This paper presents real-world case studies from several offshore gas-producing platforms in the Arabian Gulf that successfully transitioned from continuous to maintenance flare in line with the environmental conservation activities and route maps for sustainable future.
Methods, Procedures, Process: Six (6) offshore gas producing platforms in the Arabian Gulf were evaluated before successfully converting them from continuously ignited flare to maintenance one; various engineering proposals have been assessed to recognize modifications required in the existing design and associated risks. On-demand flare proposal was then thoroughly studied, and risks were addressed by conducting HAZOP, LOPA, RBD, and FTA. Multiple challenges were addressed throughout the assessment journey by multi-disciplinary in-house team with the support from dedicated engineering firm and 3rd party safety consultant.
Results, Observations, Conclusions: The results of the assessment confirmed that by modifying the existing continuous flare to maintenance flare, the overpressure risk and the overall risk is still within the target risk criteria and thus the proposed design modifications are feasible before proceeding with implementation. The changes in the field were managed through MOC process to ensure risk controls are in place.
Novel/Additive Information: This paper presents real-world case studies for successful transition from continuous to maintenance flare at offshore gas producing platforms. The presentation will focus on the required design modifications, risk assessments, and engineering challenges encountered during the transition. Several design proposals will be analysed, along with the methodologies used to address risks through HAZOP, LOPA, and QRA studies. Also, provides estimates for the emission decrease and cost saving.
