Safety systems for petroleum processing

Abstract

The processing of petroleum can be an inherently hazardous activity. The processes we use are handling a flammable material. They use strong, often hazardous, chemicals and employ high pressures and temperatures to convert the oil into finished products. All these factors present safety risks for both personnel and those living near a process facility. Still, the industry experiences very few incidents while processing millions of barrels of oil each day. Refineries place a high value on safety. This chapter discusses four key areas which contribute toward safety performance: personal protective equipment and systems, Process Safety Management (PSM), pressure safety, and temperature safety. A relief valve sizing example is presented.