Step Change Safety Alert

Template (Internal Talisman Use Only)

Alert Title
Gas release from gas lift choke valve packing.

Incident Date
th
27 June, 2012

Summary
A hydrocarbon release was noticed by personnel working in the well head area. The release was reported
immediately and the CCR closed the choke. The operator then manually closed the flow line at the gas lift
header once the vapour cloud was confirmed as dissipating.

Incident Consequences
Hydrocarbon Release

Cause of Accident or Incident

Uncontrolled Release of a Flammable Gas or Liquid

Location
Fixed Installation

Activity
Production Operations

Description of What Happened

Radiographers were setting up barriers at the start of night shift when they noticed a visible cloud of vapour
of approximately 1 metre in diameter around a valve in the well bay. The night-shift Area Authority was in
the area, so the radiographers summoned him immediately and he identified that the gas lift choke valve
stem packing was leaking.

The CCR was contacted by radio & they closed the choke valve. When the vapour cloud was confirmed as
dissipating, the flow line at the gas lift header was manually isolated.
The leak duration was 2. minutes, and the amount released less than 1kg. Despite a line-of-sight gas
detector immediately above the valve, there was no fixed detection triggered as a result of the release. The
valve was subsequently removed for strip down & investigation.

Specific Equipment
Gas lift choke valve

Lessons Learnt
The maintenance history on the system for this valve was found to be lacking detail.
Packing follower was found to be insufficiently tensioned which in turn allowed the valve packing to pass.
The valve was poor condition externally due to corrosion. Valve internal components were however in
very good condition.

Task Description:
No task ongoing, release identified by personnel in the area.

Recommendations
Valve to be refurbished in preparation for return to service
Develop a suitable maintenance routine for all gas lift and oil choke packing / gland followers, including
work orders to implement.

Contact Details:
Gary Begg, Hydrocarbon Release Prevention Leader, Talisman Energy