Carry Over of Liquids to Flare System

Cause & Consequence

• Uncontrolled release of a flammable gas or liquid

Incident Location

Fixed Installation

Incident Activity

Production operations

Specific Incident Equipment

Flare System

Lessons Identified

• The issue of possible transfer of fluids to the HP Flare header had been considered prior to the venting task taking place and was considered to be a low risk.
• The importance of ensuring that the auto drain is fully functioning or any manual operation is tightly controlled to ensure no fluids are in the system.
• At re-start or during any venting it is important to check and establish whether it was gas or other fluids which are being bled

Incident Recommendations

• Auto drain was unblocked, cleaned, inspected and reinstated for use.
• A PMR was raised to ensure that the correct maintenance regime is in place to ensure the continued correct operation of the auto drain.
• Operating procedures now require a visual check to ensure that the drains are free from fluids at various stages during venting operations (i.e. pre, during and post venting)