Fire and Explosion Risk Assessment for Offshore Platform

Overview

A Fire and Explosion Risk Assessment (FERA) was carried out during the FEED stage for the Kalamkas Sea and Khazar Field Development Project. The study focuses on identifying potential fire and explosion risks on the offshore platform and supporting safer design decisions.

It covers fire scenarios, explosion effects, and gas dispersion behaviour to ensure protection of personnel, equipment, and overall facility integrity.

Introduction

The FERA study was performed for the Drilling Platform (DP) and Living Quarters (LQ) of the Kalamkas-Sea offshore development. The goal was to understand how fire and explosion incidents could occur and what impact they may have on the facility.

The assessment also helps in selecting appropriate fire protection systems and defining emergency response requirements at an early design stage.

The study primarily focused on:

• Identifying credible fire and explosion scenarios
• Evaluating their likelihood
• Assessing consequences using modelling techniques
• Supporting safer design and layout decisions

Objectives of the Study

The main objective of the FERA study is to identify and evaluate risks associated with fire and explosion hazards and recommend suitable mitigation measures.

Key objectives include:

• Identifying events that could lead to fire or explosion
• Estimating the frequency of such events
• Analysing consequences such as:
  • Fire radiation intensity
  • Explosion overpressure effects
  • Escalation potential
• Assessing impact on:
  • Personnel safety
  • Escape routes and muster areas
  • Adjacent facilities
  • Critical safety systems (HSECES)
• Recommending measures for:
  • Prevention
  • Detection
  • Control and mitigation

Methodology

The study followed a structured and step by step approach to ensure all potential risks were properly evaluated.

Initially, all relevant design data and assumptions were collected and reviewed. Based on this, hazards were identified and realistic accident scenarios were developed. Each scenario was then analysed to understand both its likelihood and potential impact.

The methodology included:

• Data Collection: Review of design inputs and assumptions
• Hazard Identification: Identification of fire and explosion hazards
• Scenario Development: Development of credible accident scenarios
• Frequency Analysis: Estimation of occurrence likelihood
• Physical Effects Modelling: Analysis of:
  • Fire radiation
  • Explosion overpressure
  • Gas dispersion (LFL)
• Risk Estimation: Combining frequency and consequence
• Risk Evaluation: Comparing with acceptable criteria
• Risk Reduction: Recommending mitigation measures

Codes and Standards

The assessment was carried out in accordance with internationally accepted guidelines and industry standards to ensure consistency and reliability.

Key references include:

• CPR 18E – Quantitative Risk Assessment Guidelines
• CPR 14E – Physical Effects Calculation Methods
• CCPS Guidelines for Consequence Analysis
• IOGP Report 434
• API Standard 521
• API RP 752
• CMPT (1999) Offshore Risk Guidelines
• NORSOK Z-013

Key Findings

The study provided important insights into fire and explosion risks and their potential impact on the offshore platform. These findings help guide design improvements and safety measures.

Major observations include:

• Gas dispersion behaviour was analysed based on LFL limits
• Fire radiation levels and impact distances were identified
• Explosion overpressure effects were evaluated
• Potential escalation risks to nearby systems were assessed

Based on these findings, several design recommendations were proposed.

Key recommendations:

• Define fire zones across the facility
• Consider blast loads during structural design
• Install active fire protection systems such as:
  • Fire detection systems
  • Deluge systems
• Apply passive fire protection where required
• Ensure protection of:
  • Escape routes
  • Safety-critical equipment

Importance of FERA

A Fire and Explosion Risk Assessment plays an important role in improving overall safety and reliability of offshore facilities. It provides a clear understanding of potential hazards and supports informed decision-making.

FERA helps in:

• Reducing the risk of major accidents
• Protecting personnel and assets
• Improving facility layout and design
• Meeting international safety requirements
• Strengthening emergency preparedness

Our Experience

We have experience in carrying out Fire and Explosion Risk Assessments across various types of facilities. Our approach focuses on practical and design-oriented outcomes that can be directly implemented.

We work on:

• Offshore platforms
• Oil and gas processing facilities
• Refineries and petrochemical plants
• Storage terminals and pipelines

Conclusion

The FERA study for the Kalamkas-Sea and Khazar Field Development Project identified key fire and explosion risks and provided clear recommendations to address them.

By incorporating these recommendations during the FEED stage, the project can achieve improved safety performance and reduce potential operational risks.

Need Fire and Explosion Risk Assessment (FERA) services for your project?

Contact Elixir Engineering today to get a customized study and expert support for your facility.