Protection of FPSOs and Oil Rigs

Protection of FPSOs 

FPSOs integrate production equipment Equipment Machines, appliances, fixed or mobile devices, control parts and accessories, and warning and prevention systems, whether separate or combined, intended for the generation, transfer, storage, measurement, control, and conversion of energy, and for the processing of materials, which have their own potential source of ignition and may cause an explosion. , storage tanks, and offloading systems within a single floating unit. 

This concentration of functions increases the importance of reliable protection at vent outlets, in-line piping, and tank interfaces.Within FPSO configurations, PROTEGO® equipment is applied to:

• Storage tanks located in the hull and on deck, including chemical storage
• Flares and cold flares, also referred to as vent posts
• In-line piping systems where flame transmission must be prevented
• Pressure and vacuum relief points supporting correct tank breathing

End-of-line Deflagration Flame Arresters Deflagration flame arrester Flame arrester designed to prevent the transmission of a deflagration. It can be an end-of-line flame arrester or an in-line flame arrester. are shown installed at vent outlets, while in-line Detonation Detonation Explosion propagating at supersonic velocity and characterized by a shock wave (EN 1127-1: 1997). Flame Arresters are positioned within piping runs where flame acceleration may occur. Pressure and Vacuum Relief Valves are used in-line to protect tanks against overpressure Overpressure Overpressure refers to an increase in pressure in a system or vessel above the normal operating pressure. and vacuum conditions.
Together, these measures support controlled emissions, safe venting behavior, and protection against flashback Flashback Phenomenon occurring in a flammable mixture of air and gas when the local velocity of the combustible mixture becomes less than the flame velocity, causing the flame to travel back to the point of mixture. when systems are correctly sized, located, and maintained for the application.

Protection of Oil Rigs 

Fixed offshore oil rigs contain multiple venting and piping systems distributed across process modules, storage vessels, and utility areas.

These systems require protection against flame transmission while maintaining stable pressure conditions during normal operation.
Applications shown include:

• In-line Detonation Flame Arresters installed within piping systems
• End-of-line Deflagration Flame Arresters positioned at vent terminations
• In-line Pressure and Vacuum Relief Valves Pressure and vacuum relief valve A pressure and vacuum relief valve is a pressure equalization valve for impermissible pressure and vacuum in a closed system. supporting controlled tank breathing

Temperature sensors are recommended in conjunction with in-line Detonation Flame Arresters, as indicated in the system layout. Protection devices are distributed across multiple elevations and modules, reflecting the need for localized protection rather than centralized control.
The combined use of Flame Arresters and Pressure and Vacuum Relief Valves supports operational continuity while addressing the risks associated with vented hydrocarbons in offshore environments.

Highlights