A network based approach to envisage potential accidents in offshore process facilities

Abstract

Envisaging potential accidents in large scale offshore process facilities such as Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) is complex and could be best characterized through evolving scenarios. In the present work, a new methodology is developed to incorporate evolving scenarios in a single model and predicts the likelihood of accident. The methodology comprises; (a) evolving scenario identification, (b) accident consequence framework development, (c) accident scenario likelihood estimation, and (d) ranking of the scenarios. Resulting events in the present work are modeled using a Bayesian network approach, which represents accident scenarios as causeconsequences networks. The methodology developed in this article is compared with case studies of ammonia and Liquefied Natural Gas from chemical and offshore process facility, respectively. The proposed method is able to differentiate the consequence of specific events and predict probabilities for such events along with continual updating of consequence probabilities of fire and explosion scenarios taking into account. The developed methodology can be used to envisage evolving scenarios that occur in the offshore oil and gas process industry; however, with further modification it can be applied to different sections of marine industry to predict the likelihood of such accidents.

Modeling impacts of combustion products on humans in complex processing facilities

“…The application of offshore floating production and processing facilities has been increasing annually, thus requiring the promotion of wide attention to the safety precautions onboard. These process facilities could be characterized by complex systems, distributed processes, and a high degree of automated systems . Furthermore, hydrocarbon fuels and other flammable chemicals, in both liquid and gas form, are widely used and handled in process facilities.…”

“…A fire event not only causes loss in production, economic disruption, and production interference, but can put human health at risk due to combustion products and thermal radiation . Several studies have focused on modeling impacts of a fire event, but most of these studies are related to thermal radiation . Fire toxicity accounts for the major cause of death and injury from unwanted fires .…”

“…These process facilities could be characterized by complex systems, distributed processes, and a high degree of automated systems. 1 Furthermore, hydrocarbon fuels and other flammable chemicals, in both liquid and gas form, are widely used and handled in process facilities. Various preventative measures are normally employed in processing facilities to avoid potential accidents.…”

“…12,13 Several studies have focused on modeling impacts of a fire event, but most of these studies are related to thermal radiation. [14][15][16][17] Fire toxicity accounts for the major cause of death and injury from unwanted fires. 18 In past fire accidents, several casualties due to the inhalation of combustion products have been reported.…”

Resilience Analysis of a Remote Offshore Oil and Gas Facility for a Potential Hydrocarbon Release

“…(1) In the offshore oil and gas industry, a hydrocarbon release is one of the main precursor events that can escalate to catastrophic events, which may result in workforce casualties, asset destruction, and damage to the environment and the coastal marine ecosystem. (2,3) Resilience engineering ensures the design of complex systems that can withstand adverse conditions and recover quickly after disruptions. (4) It has been recognized as an important characteristic of maritime operations.…”