(77b) Basic Tools for a QRA of An Oilfield Cold Vent

An exception was requested for an oilfield battery to send production to a pit during emergencies and upsets. Firstly, consequence analysis software was used to explore the inherently safer design approach of setting a safe distance between the discharge point and the battery and the discharge point and any road. Then a QRA of the cold vent was performed to assess the level of risk should lower distances be adopted. A method based in HAZOP and LOPA was used to determine the annual frequency of events. The effect of the wide range of wind conditions prevailing in the Argentine Patagonia was considered.

Basic college knowledge was used, rather than QRA software, providing deep insight of the hazard and the level of risk. Also, it became clear how simplification of models can lead to over-estimation of risk.