Decommissioning Safety Critical Elements
Decommissioning Safety Critical Elements
(OP)
Hello
My company (oil & gas) have invested a substantial amount of time and recourses into an operating integrity project which has reviewed pressure relief/blowdown and depressuring performance of plant units and updated our safeguarding memorandum.
We've identified some process vessels which have more than adequate pressure relief coverage and we are considering removing some relief valves to save on maintenance costs and generally improve maintenance productivity.
My experience of industry is that it is often very easy to install/implement barriers to hazards but particularly difficult to take them away once already existing. It's seems to be a large reputational risk should an unforeseen scenario develop where this piece of equipment could have prevented an incident.
The example I've shared above is on relief valves but my question relates to general safety critical plant equipment...thus what are people's opinions on removing barriers to save money (decisions based on an engineering always of course)? Should we remain ultra conservative or should we out our mouths where our money has already gone?
My company (oil & gas) have invested a substantial amount of time and recourses into an operating integrity project which has reviewed pressure relief/blowdown and depressuring performance of plant units and updated our safeguarding memorandum.
We've identified some process vessels which have more than adequate pressure relief coverage and we are considering removing some relief valves to save on maintenance costs and generally improve maintenance productivity.
My experience of industry is that it is often very easy to install/implement barriers to hazards but particularly difficult to take them away once already existing. It's seems to be a large reputational risk should an unforeseen scenario develop where this piece of equipment could have prevented an incident.
The example I've shared above is on relief valves but my question relates to general safety critical plant equipment...thus what are people's opinions on removing barriers to save money (decisions based on an engineering always of course)? Should we remain ultra conservative or should we out our mouths where our money has already gone?





RE: Decommissioning Safety Critical Elements
If the correct level of engineering justification is done (HAZOP and calculations), then the risks assessed for removing and not removing the PSVs, it should be simple and defendable in court (I guess this is one of the reputational risks you are talking about). I guess the costs for completing the project need to be approved and offset against the potential cost savings proposed.
RE: Decommissioning Safety Critical Elements
http://publishing.energyinst.org/topics/process-sa...
Steve Jones
Corrosion Management Consultant
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04
All answers are personal opinions only and are in no way connected with any employer.
RE: Decommissioning Safety Critical Elements
RE: Decommissioning Safety Critical Elements
RE: Decommissioning Safety Critical Elements
jari001,
These RVs were added as per the original design of the plant circa 1970. Over the years the facility operating envelope, fluid conditions etc have changed as well as our technical expertise in the area of design (dynamic simulations etc). Personally I do think we have done the necessary engineering work to justify their removal...but as with everything safety related, it is impossible to foresee all circumstances hence why the industry as a whole continues to hurt/kill people. Thus the only real risk in my opinion is a reputational risk - thus I was interested to hear peoples thoughts on this.
geogeverghese,
They are fire case RVs. There are multiple RVs in service and we have demonstrated we have adequate relief capacity with the adjacent valves.
All,
Thanks for the thoughts. Seems like the general consensus is that by following an MoC process it is sufficient to cover one's backside :)
RE: Decommissioning Safety Critical Elements