CASE STUDY

HAZOP Report for LNG storage and filling station of Thriveni Earthmovers Pvt. Ltd at Keonjhar, Odisha 

Thriveni Earthmovers Private Limited, is planning to install LNG Filling Station at Keonjhar District, Odisha. The Facility shall have 2 storage tanks for LNG storage from transport tankers via unloading Pump. This LNG Filling Station shall have a Facility to fill cylinders via filling pump. BOG generated from Storage Tank and Unloading Pump is routed to Gas Generator which is used to produce power and in addition to that Degasified Natural Gas shall be used from nearby sites for power generation. This document provides the methodology and results carried out and accepted by Thriveni Earthmovers Private Limited for completion of HAZOP study.

The objective of the HAZOP (Hazard & Operability) study is Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, Operability Analysis, Risk Mitigation and Documentation.

The main steps involved in a HAZOP study are as follows:

  • Define the Study Objectives: Clearly establish the goals and scope of HAZOP study. Define the process or system to be analyzed and determine the specific objectives, such as identifying hazards, assessing risks, and improving operability.
  • Assemble the Study Team: Form a multidisciplinary team comprising individuals with relevant expertise and knowledge of the process or system being studied. This may include Process Engineers, Safety Specialists, Operators, Maintenance Personnel, and other relevant Stakeholders.
  • Select Guide Words: Guide words are used to systematically and creatively explore potential deviations from the design intent of the process or system. Commonly used guide words include “more,” “less,” “no,” “part of,” “reverse,” and “other than.” These guide words are applied to various process parameters (e.g., Pressure, Temperature, Flow rate) to stimulate brainstorming and identify possible deviations.
  • Conduct Node Identification: Break down the process or system into manageable sections called “Nodes.” Each Node represents a specific part or equipment within the process or system. Nodes are systematically examined one by one to identify potential deviations and associated hazards.
  • Apply Guide Words: For each Node, apply the selected guide words to the process parameters to generate potential deviations. The team members brainstorm and discuss the consequences of each deviation, considering possible hazards, risks, and operability issues that may arise.
  • Evaluate Deviations: Evaluate the consequences of each deviation in terms of safety, operability, and potential risks. Assess the severity, likelihood, and potential consequences of each identified hazard or deviation.
  • Develop Recommendations: Based on the identified hazards and operability issues, develop recommendations for risk mitigation and operational improvements. These recommendations may include design changes, procedural modifications, safety measures, or other necessary actions to address the identified risks.
  • Document the Study: Document all findings, identified hazards, consequences, and recommendations resulting from HAZOP study.  This documentation serves  as  a record for future reference, as well as for regulatory compliance and audit purposes.
  • Follow‐up and Implementation: Ensure that the recommendations from the HAZOP study are appropriately communicated and implemented. Monitor the progress of recommended actions and verify that the necessary changes and improvements are made to address the identified hazards and operability issues.

HAZOP studies often serve the purpose of ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and Industry standards. By systematically examining the process or system, HAZOP helps in identifying any deviations or non‐compliance with applicable regulations.  This enables organizations to take corrective actions and ensure that their operations meet the required safety and operational standards.

HAZOP Study conducted for LNG Filling Station Thriveni Earthmovers Private Limited reveals that the recommendations identified were not proposed as the HAZOP team believed that the existing safeguards were adequate to manage the potential risks to acceptable levels. In total, the HAZOP study identified 7 recommended actions for LNG Filling Station Keonjhar district, Odisha Thriveni Earthmovers Private Limited, for reducing the likelihood of a hazardous event occurring or reducing the severity of the consequence. Given that recommendations were made to lower risks believed to be outside tolerable limits to an acceptable (or tolerable level). Incorporation and close out of the all HAZOP recommendations results in a Facility where by all risks identified have been managed to tolerable levels.