Environmentally Friendly Platform Operations in the Pacific OCS
Authors: Konczvald Andrew 
Published: October 2008

The Minerals Management Pacific Outer Continental Service regulated Shelf Region (POCSR) Along the Californian coast in has implemented the most sophisticated air pollution reduction methods in the world. This paper presents offshore platform operation related solutions designed to achieve compliance with air quality regulations, including results of applied research and field data, this is the fist attempt to present the world the pioneering achievements of a unique group of U.S.A. Based offshore operators.

1.APPLICATION OF AIR QUALITY MEASURES

The platforms in the Pacific OCS, or "Offshore California", are the most sophisticated oil and 121 Gas production facilities in the world. The Following research categories will be described Below platform electrification, H2S reduction, H20 injected turbine generators, Low-NOx and Low-Sulfur flaring techniques, diesel engine etrofitting, "Clean Diesel Fuel" concept, Engine source-testing and "Fugitive inspection & Maintenance Programs".

Minerals Management Service (MMS) is part Of the U.S. Department of Interior (D01), Managing and regulating the hydrocarbon and Sulfur production in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), in Federal waters. More than a Quarter century of platform operation has Proven that environmental friendly petroleum Production can be technologically feasible and Safe.

The so called "Californian Model" is a Significant breakthrough by eliminating the Incompatibility factors from the mixed Operation of installed process technology vs. NOX, SOX and VOC reduction techniques. The emissions reduction of NOX by 70%, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) by 80% Was very expensive, but did not result in Significant increase in fuel consumption. Most Of the 23 facilities are relatively young, they Were installed during the mid eighties and Have been periodically modified to comply With new environmental restrictions.

2. Environmental Concerns

The exceptionally high ozone and smog levels In Southern California put all platforms under Scrutiny since their inception. The original Projects included advanced, light weight alloy Piping and tubing elements to reduce the Occurrence of leak development. All platforms Went through different stages of computer Optimization techniques, as applied computerTechnology has been developed for Continuous emissions monitoring; Optimization of Oil/Water and Oil/Gas Separation; Process phase optimization; Water injection in turbines and Diesel engines; Computerized platform emission Monitoring/ reporting;Flare emission management; On-screen alarm functions and hazard Interpretation; "Clean-Fuel" and "Clean Air Technologies"; Satellite based boat retrofitting techniques.

3. Air Quality Concerns

The "Clean Air Technologies" include Computerized water injection in turbine Generators, computerized combustion on two Work Diesel Boats, low sulfur and de-nitrogen zed Fuels, annual emission source testing of 122 Diesel and turbine generators and Fugitive Inspection and Maintenance Programs (lame), The primary leak detection from gas and liquid Phases is based on specialized sensors for Combustible, explosive and toxic gas leak Detection, planted into deck ceilings and at Knee level, tied into the platform computer Command center. The on-duty operator can Shut off, open or re-direct production by Remote control. In cases of simulated leaks or Training drills, manual override is available. The secondary hand-scanned leak detection is Part of the l&M.