Lloyd’s Register Consulting has launched its first phase of its latest JIP aimed at resolving a long-term industry issue that could save the industry billions of dollars in costly downtime, possible injury claims and damage to the environment.

Companies and universities across the world are collaborating in an initiative to improve awareness on how to optimise safety design of gas turbines used in facilities processing combustible fluids, helping operators achieve greater safety, integrity and risk management.

“Ignition of hydrocarbon leaks in gas turbines is a critical issue for oil and gas operators,” says Ingar Fossan from the Consulting business of Lloyd’s Register. “Findings from this JIP will lead to safer design of new installations, reduction in risk of future incidents on existing infrastructure, leading to tangible cost reduction.”

Onshore and offshore installations contain dedicated turbine and power generation facilities that produce energy to run the installation’s various processes. The turbine enclosures and generator rooms are high risk areas because of the combination of very high temperatures, moving parts, fuel, and lubricants.

Flammable gas included in the intake air of a gas turbine is a widely-known and potential source of ignition. However, the residual risk is still not adequately understood. More detailed understanding of the potential ignition mechanism is required to find the best possible way to design the ignition control parameters for gas turbine equipment. It is based on the main conclusion from the MISOF report (Modelling of Ignition Sources on Offshore oil and gas Facilities) issued by Lloyd’s Register on behalf of the Norwegian Oil and Gas Association.

Fossan says, “The JIP brings together technical and operational expertise on gas turbines to collaborate on data gathering and advanced modelling of potential accidental scenarios. Considering the complexity of the various operating scenarios and differences in how gas turbine machinery are designed and manufactured, the JIP starts with an initial assessment and agreement with JIP partners on the primary issues and areas of investigation.”

Follow on phases of the JIP will study these issues through advanced modelling and experimental work.

Tags: Lloyd's Register Consulting