Oil and Gas Industries

Fixed roof tanks are used to store petroleum products with vapor pressures close to atmospheric pressure. Pressure-vacuum valves purged with natural gas prevent air intake into the vapor space. Vapor loss through a tank's pressure vent valve can be high, and dangerous levels of toxic H2S can also be present. Risks include overfill ground fires due to leaks, vent fires caused by vapor ignition due to a lightning strike, and fires due to equipment malfunction/human error.

Obstructed full liquid surface fires are hard to extinguish, as the tank roof blocks access to the burning surface.  Large unobstructed full liquid surface fires can occur if a roof-shell joint separates and the tank roof sinks, such as after an explosion, leaving an exposed liquid surface vulnerable to lightning strike.

In a refinery, there are numerous processes that create hazards.  For example, gas and vapor leaks from crude desalting and catalytic cracking present a fire risk if sources of ignition, such as heaters, are present. Rapid flame detection prevents these fires, which can otherwise spread quickly.

Also, toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide can be found in wastewaters. Toxic gas detection protects personnel and the environment by ensuring toxic gas concentrations remain low. 

Crude Desalting, Thermal/Catalytic Cracking, Coking, Isomerization - Gas and vapor leaks can cause fire if they come into contact with ignition sources. Wastewater may contain dissolved hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.

Accumulated Catalytic Dust - Spontaneous iron sulfide ignition presents a fire risk.
 
Hydrogen Generation – Gas leaks can cause fire.

Hydrogen Sulfide –  Levels in feedstock may become toxic.

Sweetening – Fire may result if there is static electricity in the settler, and too much oxygen.

Oil and gas rigs deal with a large number of highly combustible and toxic chemical and gases. This increases the risk of fire and explosions, which can occur spontaneously, without warning. 

There is also an increased risk of exposure to dangerous levels of toxic gases such as H₂S and NH₃. Consequently, there is a critical need for continuous gas and flame detection. 

A single spark can start a rapid fire breakout if exposed to fuel on an oil platform. Many fires have begun during oil drilling, when a large pocket of gas is discovered. As the gas rises, it can cause a blowout. Blowouts are the leading cause of explosions and fire on oil platforms, occurring when the gravity of the drilling mud fails to counteract the pressure of a pressurized gas zone underground. The pressurized gases cause a kick when exposed to the less pressurized atmosphere.

Offshore oil and gas platforms, rigs, and FPSOs require flame detectors and open path gas detectors to protect equipment, personnel, and the installations themselves.

The potential for gas leaks in an FPSO is enormous. Many types of gas leak are possible- hydrocarbons, hydrogen, H₂S, and more. Each type of gas leak presents its own set of risks to both personnel and the plant.

Both PFSO and oil and gas rigs hold many hazards areas, such as: 

• Production areas (drilling pits and pipes) 
• Offloading areas (piping connecting to loading vessels) 
• Turbines/engines enclosures 
• Heating ventilation and air-conditioning ducts (HVAC) 
• Control rooms, operation cabins, and captain bridges 
• Residence cabins and recreational areas
• Kitchen areas and dining rooms

Flammable and toxic products are often transported by sea, rail, or road. When these products are loaded or offloaded, there is an increased risk of spillage or leakage. 

Handlers must pay careful attention to avoid the accidental release and ignition of flammable gases, and the release of toxic gases.

There are various hazards associated with loading and unloading, for both road and rail transport. For example, releasing methanol from pressurized piping can cause instant liquid flashing and vapor generation.

Combustion and toxic hazards are always present to a varying extent in loading and offloading processes.

Pumping stations, also known as compressor stations, are located along pipelines and facilitate the transportation of natural gas from one location to another. The gas is repeatedly pressurized every 40-100 miles, to allow its transportation. The stations have engines or special turbines to pressurize the gas. 

The occurrence of fires in natural gas compressor stations is fortunately infrequent. The consequences, however, are often severe, leading to destruction or extensive damage of equipment to the loss of an entire station, and even loss of lives. 

The two major causes of compressor station fires are failures of the gas piping systems and failures of the lubricating and seal oil systems on the compressor units.

In a gas station, fire is a real possibility due to the presence of flammable fuel, together with possible ignition sources, such as static electricity.

By using an effective flame detector, you can reduce this risk and benefit from increased safety for your gas station and its personnel.

Gas stations sell vehicle fuels such as gasoline and diesel, and condensed gas. Fuel dispensers are used to pump the fuel into vehicles. Gasoline and diesel are obviously highly flammable, presenting a significant fire risk.

Compressor decks carry natural gases, presenting a large fire risk. Stress to the machinery can result in malfunctions that cause leaks, where the flammable fuel can come into contact with an ignition source. 

Using flame and gas detection prevents fire from occurring, ensuring the safety of your facility and workers.

Compressor decks require continuous gas and flame monitoring due to the following factors:

• Constant high stress on the machinery. 
• Vibration, spills, high pressure leaks and fugitive emissions
• In the natural gas stream, hydrogen sulfide, liquids, and undesirable particles can corrode components such as pipelines. 
• Possibility of seals or gaskets failing, allowing the fuel to come into contact with heated parts and an ignition source.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) vaporizes when warm, presenting a large ignition risk. It is 600 times denser than the gas form, making it more feasible and less expensive to transport. Several processes are used to make LNG, all of which involve refrigerating the gas and expanding it, to turn into a cryogenic liquid.  Spills, leakage, and subsequent explosion are a risk in every operational step of LNG production.

The presence of refrigerants also necessitates toxic gas detection.

The production of petrochemicals creates many individual hazards that must be monitored. Natural gas and petroleum are highly flammable, while some processes may create dangerous, toxic byproducts.

Petrochemical processes may include the production of plastics, paints, solvents, adhesives, agricultural products, or specialty gases. The chemicals and feedstock involved in each process present their own individual hazards that must be monitored. 

Both natural gas and petroleum are highly combustible products. In addition, many petrochemical processes have dangerous byproducts, like toxic H₂S. One such process is the production of aromatic hydrocarbons Benzene, Toulene, and Xylene.