Condensate leak from flare condensate pump

Cause & Consequence

• Uncontrolled release of a flammable gas or liquid

Incident Location

Fixed Installation

Incident Activity

Production operations

Specific Incident Equipment

Flare condensate pump

Lessons Identified

The set point of the pressure monitoring switch was set such that in the event of a seal failure there would not be sufficient pressure rise to for the switch to operate and the pump to trip

There was no requirement to check the operation of the pressure monitoring switch in the planned maintenance system

Whilst the platform was under previous ownership, the sump below the flare gas scrubber had been sealed up to prevent a condensate release draining to sea however this now allows a build-up of the condensate in the sump in the event of a leak

Incident Recommendations

Ensure that the set points of any pressure monitoring switches are set accordingly so that the pump will be tripped in the event of a seal failure

Ensure that operation of the pressure monitoring switches are checked as part of a suitable planned maintenance system

Be aware of any historical changes that may have occurred prior to platform ownership and ensure that suitable robust management of change procedures have been applied