A drilling rig was to be positioned adjacent to a platform. The set up meant that the derrick was close to the platforms flare.
The safety systems on board can cause a blow down and flare ignition, which due to the position of the drilling rig, could cause excessive heat radiation endangering any personnel working on the derrick. This instance only occurs in certain wind conditions where the ignited flare is blown towards the derrick.
The client reached out to Apollo to verify their study and confirm levels of heat radiation at various locations, we were therefore asked to quantify the effects of radiation on the asset. We were also able to provide solutions to manage the heat radiation. We were able to provide the client with plots of radiation levels and a diagram of tolerable zones. Due to our study we were able to provide recommendations that could prevent fatality and damage of equipment, saving the client huge risk.
Client problem:
- An operator completed an assessment of the radiation levels due to flaring from the platform when the jack-up unit is working alongside
- The impact on the derrick, people and equipment during combined operations was considered
- Client asked Apollo to verify this study and confirm the levels of heat radiation at various locations, including derrick and drill floor
- Apollo were asked to quantify the effects of the radiation on the rig and to recommend solutions to manage the heat radiation
What we did:
- Utilised DNV GL software Phast, which is an industry standard consequence analysis tool for performing gas dispersion and flare radiation assessments
- Deployed plots of radiation levels and a diagram of tolerable zones
Value / Benefits:
- High levels of radiation were found for the worst-case wind conditions that could cause instant fatality and damage equipment. It was recommended that measures in place to mitigate the effects
- At the main deck, no risk to personnel was identified, provided that shelter can be found within a few seconds of flaring
- Apollo provided results to make the client aware of the fatality risk at a worst case northerly wind speed of 25 m/s, which could be lifesaving during the event of flaring. It is understood that additional safeguards were put in place