Journal of Canadian Petroleum Technology, Vol.45, No.8, 26-31, 2006
An evaluation of technologies used for hazardous product transfer with regard to safety, environmental compliancy, and economic efficiency
A major issue presently facing the oil and gas industry in Al-berta is the ever more stringent standards and regulations being implemented with regard to safety and environmental compliance on the worksite. This has led to the development of new technologies in order to maximise production while meeting the regulatory measures instituted to increase safety and reduce environmental hazards while transferring product, The problem lies with the use of products using old technologies invented prior to the instiution of many of the current regulations. The combination of old technologies coupled with higher pressures and temperatures is leading to product failure resulting in injuries, fires, and environmentally hazardous situations. Alberta is also dealing with the spectre of a severe skilled labour shortage that must deal with safely operating ever high pressure and temperature process equipment. The solution to these problems comes in the form of new technologies with features targeted with features targeted at preventing spillage, fires, and uncontrolled releases, designed and build directly into the connecting pieces. It was found that productsusing the new technology led to less spillage, were more fire safe, and prevented unsafe air release. These test results show transfer products utilizing new technology, which adheres to all current standards and regulations, create a safer, more environmentally sensitive and economically efficient situation.