Abstract
This paper presents the elements of KPO's field-wide H2S Emergency Response and Controls Strategy, together with an analysis to prioritise a variety of potential risk reduction measures.
Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V. (KPO) is the operator of the Karachaganak Field in Kazakhstan. The hydrocarbons produced are classified as sour, in that they contain approximately 4% - 6% Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) by volume. At these concentrations, any unplanned release of production fluids could pose immediate danger to unprotected personnel due to the toxic nature of the gas. As such KPO requires effective decision-making support to assist in the management of safety and the prioritisation of capital expenditure, to discharge its obligation to ensure that risks are managed and controlled to levels which are as low as reasonably practicable.
A field-wide H2S Emergency Response and Controls Strategy has been developed and potential H2S related improvement options evaluated. This paper presents the elements of the strategy, comprising:
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
ER Strategy and ER Planning
POB Control and Personnel Tracking
Hazardous Event Detection
Annunciating the Alarm
Emergency Communications
Third Party Communications
Escape Provisions
Shelter in Place
Search and Rescue
Evacuation
Training and Exercises
Specialist Medical Facilities.
A high-level analysis was used to prioritise a variety of potential enhancement options (covering communications systems, gas detection, evacuation, etc). For each option, the measure, the safety benefits, other benefits, limitations, technical and commercial considerations, are highlighted.
This paper will contribute to the sector's definition of best practice in terms of risk reduction under sour production conditions, highlight new modern technology developments and show some solutions adopted from different industries.
