(47ce) Failed MOCs with Respect to Relief Systems

Jason E. Spearow, P.E.

Smith & Burgess

Houston, Texas

Jason.spearow@smithburgess.com

Abstract

The Management of Change (MOC) process has been valuable in increasing the safety throughout the oil and gas industry.  However, the value of an MOC is dependent on accurately capturing everything that is affected by the change.  There are many MOCs that have a direct or indirect effect on a relief system.  The indirect effect on the relief system is often times not captured, and the adequacy of the system is compromised.  In addition to the relief system impacts that aren’t captured in an MOC, there are times when an MOC identifies a relief system impact, but all the changes associated with the impact aren’t properly implemented.  The intention of this paper is to provide examples of different types of MOCs and how they affect relief systems.  Some case studies of actual MOCs that have failed with respect to relief systems will also be evaluated.