Process Safety Incident

filter separator fire

Offhsore oil Platform

Short Description: A fire initiated from zone#4 while operators were taking sample from the high pressure
Compressor first stage filter separator
Date Event Occurred: April 29, 2018

Probable Severity Classification of Event: Probable Level 3b - Fatality

 Incident Summary
Incident summary:
 Two operators were requested to take a liquid sample from a HP-Compressor Filter
Separator. There was a high pressure release from the ball valve used for sampling resulting
in hydrocarbons being released to the deck. An static electric discharge occurred resulting in
a fire. The fire was subsequently extinguished by the Emergency Response Team. No
injuries.
Background and Relevant information:
 Operators identified a low point ¾” ball valve that could be used to collect the sample.
 Assistant operator removed the plug from the valve then placed a plastic sample bottle
underneath it on the deck. Since the valve handle was missing, he used an 8” aluminum
adjustable wrench to open the valve, and commenced taking a sample
 There was a high pressure release that splashed fluids on the assistant operator, at that time
he went to clean the fluids from his goggles and body. Meanwhile, a considerable quantity of
hydrocarbon fluids accumulated on the deck. The lead operator then closed the valve and
immediately after witnessed the ignition of the fire.
 The Platform ESD and Deluge systems activated, personnel mustered, the facility ERT
responded to the fire, and the fire was extinguished.
 The impacted systems were then isolated, accessed for assessment, and the platform was
safely restarted.

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Incident Photo(s)

Burned / Melted Cable

Insulation

~23ft

Location /
Elevation of
Incident
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Incident Photo(s)

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 Lessons Learned
 Hazards not recognized:
 Static Electricity Risk – do not use plastic sample bottle for direct sample
collection
Samples must be collected in appropriate / designed recipients
 Use of a deficient ball valve (no handle)
 Use of a ball valve for sampling/throttling service

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