HSE Procedure for Cleaning Vessels which contain Gas or

Hydrocarbons at Wafa Desert Plant

Contract No.:
C/0531/WA/05
Doc. No.: UW.3.HSE.022 Rev.: 1 Page 2 of 6

Table of Contents

1 Purpose ..................................................................................... 3
2 Scope for Vessels .......................................................................... 3
2.1 Precaution prior to Starting ....................................................... 3
2.2 Isolation Procedure ................................................................. 3
2.3 Vessel Emptying Procedure ........................................................ 3
2.4 Gas Purging Procedure ............................................................. 4
3 Cleaning Procedure ....................................................................... 5
3.1 Alternative Cleaning Procedures.................................................. 5
3.1.1 High Pressure Water Jetting .................................................... 5
3.1.2 Steam Cleaning ................................................................... 5
3.1.3 Chemical Cleaning................................................................ 6
4 Preparation for Vessel Entry............................................................. 6
4.1 Precautions for Entry ............................................................... 6
4.2 Conditions for Entry................................................................. 6
 HSE Procedure for Cleaning Vessels which contain Gas or
Hydrocarbons at Wafa Desert Plant
Contract No.:
C/0531/WA/05
Doc. No.: UW.3.HSE.022 Rev.: 1 Page 3 of 6

1 PURPOSE
This following sections outline the recommended steps that should be followed
prior to and during the course of internal cleaning or gas purging of vessels in
preparation for vessel entry at the Wafa Plant.
This procedure is to be used in conjunction with the following MOG
procedures and any other relevant HSEQ procedures.
• MOG-HSEQ-SF-WI-062 Work Instructions Confined Space Entry for Wafa
Field
• MOG-HSEQ-SF-P-024 Corporate Permit to Work Procedure - Onshore

2 SCOPE FOR VESSELS

2.1 Precaution Prior to Starting
• If applicable, the Cathodic protection associated with the vessel to be
shutdown 24 hours earlier for depolarization;
• Adhere to blinding & isolation plan;
• Check and ensure the bonding and earthing systems are not
disconnected and functioning properly;
• During gas freeing and cleaning, take precaution to avoid the build up
of static electricity;
• Conduct a toolbox talk prior to commencement of below activities;
• Ensure fire fighting equipment as specified on the permit is available
and that all personnel involved are familiar with its operation;

2.2 Isolation Procedure

• Close valves as per isolation plan (tagged/chained locked in closed
position);
• Install or invert blinds as per blinding plan;
• Isolate electrically all the MOVs;
• Isolate electrical supply to and remove relevant instruments and
electrical equipment;

2.3 Vessel Emptying Procedure

For vessels with complete draining facility:
• Open drain valves to allow remaining inventory to flow into
approved containment such as a sump or closed drain – production;
• Sludge truck can be used to remove mixture from sump;
 HSE Procedure for Cleaning Vessels which contain Gas or
Hydrocarbons at Wafa Desert Plant
Contract No.:
C/0531/WA/05
Doc. No.: UW.3.HSE.022 Rev.: 1 Page 4 of 6

For cases where complete hydrocarbon draining is not possible – the

following shall be followed to remove the remaining hydrocarbon
inventory;
• Close all drain valves;
• From a high nozzle, fill it up with water such that the interface
level just reaches a selected suction level;
• Allow the mixture or emulsion to settle;
• Drain or pump floating hydrocarbon layer via outlet or suction
nozzle;
• Drain or pump out the remaining water to sump or a suitable
approved disposal containment unit. Use of Pneumatic or approved
pump is mandatory;
• Procedure can be repeated if significant hydrocarbon remains;

2.4 Gas Purging Procedure

Precautions
• Roads should be closed, areas roped off and warning signs posted at
appropriate locations.
• Ensure there are no potential sources of ignition in the affected
area.
• Gas freeing operation should be stopped during thunderstorms.
Procedure
• Purging with nitrogen is initiated following depressurization. This
entails opening of small nozzles for N2 connection and gas
expulsion. This procedure may take several hours. During this
period, hot bolting may be initiated;
• Once endorsed by Production, open manholes, relevant nozzles and
remove spools;
• Leave the vessel open to allow remaining trapped hydrocarbon
gases to escape naturally and fresh air to circulate through the
vessel. This can take from a few to several hours depending on the
size of vessel and type of inventory;
• Forced ventilation (pneumatic axial fans) may be used to accelerate
gas dispersion. Purging with N2 can still be continued;
• In either case, constant monitoring is required by production;
Once certified gas free, the vessel can be opened for cleaning.
 HSE Procedure for Cleaning Vessels which contain Gas or
Hydrocarbons at Wafa Desert Plant
Contract No.:
C/0531/WA/05
Doc. No.: UW.3.HSE.022 Rev.: 1 Page 5 of 6

3 CLEANING PROCEDURE
Cleaning is required to ensure complete removal of traces of hydrocarbon
deposits which is a pre-requisite for vessel entry. Activities such as internal
inspection and repair necessitate vessel entry.
Note: All cleaning activities mentioned in this section must be carried out
from outside of the vessel.
• Remove all nozzles and manholes;
• Open drain valves to allow wash down fluids to flow through;
• Hose down vessel internal walls thoroughly using service water through
the available openings. This may require several hours;
• Personnel shall not enter or even put their head into the vessel during
this work;
• Allow the vessel to dry out after flushing;
• If required install ventilation fans to accelerate drying process;
• Conduct gas test at conclusion of drying prior to entry – HSEQ;
• Hosing can be repeated if required;
• Further washing with water or even scrubbing maybe required upon
entry to ensure suitable cleanliness for inspection work;
3.1 Alternative Cleaning Procedures
Should water hosing be found to be ineffective; the following alternatives can
be considered once agreed with Production and Laboratory personnel.
Note: Application of below alternatives must be from outside of the vessel.
3.1.1 High Pressure Water Jetting
Water jetting with high pressure should be the first option when hosing fails.
This work is accomplished from outside of the manholes using lances powered
by high pressure pumps.
Operators must be properly trained and protected whilst engaged in this
operation.
Alternatively, HP pumps can be rigged with manual or automated rotating
nozzles that provide a thorough sweep wash of the vessel doing away with
entry during washing. Such rigs can also be used where gas tight flange
operation is required.
3.1.2 Steam Cleaning
The use of steam may be utilized to dislodge specific deposits. The
appropriate safety precautions shall be taken when steam is used.
Introduction of steam can also be prior to removal of all nozzles and manholes
to increase steam containment hence effectiveness.
Note that suitability of the vessel for steam cleaning has to be first clarified.
 HSE Procedure for Cleaning Vessels which contain Gas or
Hydrocarbons at Wafa Desert Plant
Contract No.:
C/0531/WA/05
Doc. No.: UW.3.HSE.022 Rev.: 1 Page 6 of 6

3.1.3 Chemical Cleaning

If flushing or HP jetting with water is ineffective to remove stubborn deposits
in the vessel the following alternatives shall be evaluated for use. Assistance
from Production and Laboratory is required before use.
Specialty chemical solutions are available that penetrate and remove stubborn
deposits that can be applied by HP pump with a single lance or rotating jets.
Water based acid, alkaline, solvent based degreasers and descalers are
commonly used. The choice of chemical shall be pertinent to the nature and
characteristics of the deposits and its efficacy.
Solvent based degreasers are volatile and protection from fumes during
application is a priority. Entry should wait until complete evaporation is
achieved. CAUTION: Such degreasers as well as any other volatile chemicals
must not be used inside the vessel during entry.
Appropriate precautions must be taken when using for these chemicals. In
view of variety, the precautions are to be extracted from the relevant MSDS
and must be complied with.

4 PREPARATION FOR VESSEL ENTRY

Install ventilation fans (min. 2 units) and keep running to ensure fresh air
circulation in the vessel.
4.1 Precautions for Entry
“No Entry” signs to be erected if a vessel is left unattended for short periods.
If unattended for longer periods, barriers should be installed to prevent
unauthorized entry.
Set up a tank entry record to control entry of personnel.
Conduct a safety briefing to all participating personnel at the start of the work
as well as at the beginning of each shift.
Ensure that lightings used inside the vessel are 24VDC EX type. All electrical
appliances are to be installed by Competent Electrical person.
No repair work inside the vessel is allowed until the Inspection Team has
inspected and located any damage and a repair recommendation is made.
All vessel entries must be covered by the relevant Work permits and Entry to
Confine Space permit.

4.2 Conditions for Entry

For safety precautions & detail requirements for entry please refer to the
following documents:
MOG-HSEQ-SF-WI-062 Work Instructions Confined Space Entry for Wafa Field
MOG-HSEQ-SF-P-024 Corporate Permit to Work Procedure - Onshore