An Evaluation of Technologies Used For Hazardous Product Transfer With Regard to Safety, Environmental Compliancy, And Economic Efficiency
Authors: Krywitsky L.A. , Freeman M. 
Published: March 2010

A major issue presently facing the oil and gas industry in Alberta is the ever more stringent standards and regulations being implemented with regard to safety and environmental compliance on the worksite. This has led to the development of new technologies in order to maximize production while meeting the regulatory measures instituted to increase safety and reduce environmental hazards while transferring product. The problem lies with the use of products using old technologies invented prior to the institution of many of the current regulations. The combination of old technologies coupled with higher pressures and temperatures is leading to product failure resulting in injuries, fires, and environmentally hazardous situations.

Alberta is also dealing with the spectre of a severe skilled labour shortage that must deal with safely operating ever high pressure and temperature process equipment.

The solution to these problems comes in the form of new technologies with features targeted at preventing spillage, fires, and uncontrolled releases, designed and built directly into the connecting pieces. It was found that products using the new technology led to less spillage, were more fire safe, and prevented unsafe air release. These test results show transfer products utilizing new technology, which adheres to all current standards and regulations, create a safer, more environmentally sensitive and economically efficient situation.

Introduction

Stemming from the occurrence of similarly related types of incidents, the need for new technology in the product transfer segment of the oil and gas industry became crucial. Advancements in regulations, and the growing moral responsibility of companies to create a safe, environmentally friendly work atmosphere, have sped up the introduction of these new technologies. The industry trends are shifting towards products that are easier to operate as well as less apt to fail under pressure, while still meeting and exceeding safety and environmental regulations. The new, more technologically advanced products will be outlined and compared to the older technologies in various areas; namely, environmental, safety, and economic efficiency.

The popular products currently in use that will be examined include the Double Block &Bleed system, Bull Plugs, Cam Locks, and Flanges. These will be compared in the areas of concern to new technologies developed in order to replace those aforementioned products. The problems presented by these older technologies will be outlined, then followed by an illustration of the changes made in the newer technologies in order to eliminate the problems. The new products will then be analyzed showing how the solution to the previous problem is reached and the economic implications. Graphical comparisons will be made showing the differences between the older products and the newly developed ones, examining the two head-to-head in the three focal areas.

Recommendations will be made taking all the information gathered into account. The results will show whether the newer technology is, in fact, superior to the current product being used. Please note that with the continuation of current industry trends, the legislation in place will advance on a regular basis in the areas of safety and environmental allowances.