7/28/2019 Safety Alert APC.13.01 Gasoline Engines in Classified Areas final.pdf

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SSAAFFEETTYY AALLEERRTT

Issue Date: March 8, 2013 Page 1 of 1

Subject: Gasoline Powered Engines in Classified Areas Alert Number: APC.13.01Target Audience: Target Discipline:

International

GOM

Onshore Drilling

Production

Midstream

Completions

Construction

Office

DESCRIPTIONGasoline powered engines used in proximity to flammable vapor sources are known to be an ignition sourceand numerous fires have resulted in the industry due to this situation. API and NFPA provide publicationsthat describe where flammable vapor sources are possible, but some of this information may not be widelyknown. The purpose of this alert is to heighten awareness of the risk of fire in areas listed as electricallyclassified. Classified areas are subdivided as Class 1 Division 1 (highest risk where vapors are presentduring normal operations) or Division 2 (vapors are present if the process upsets or leaks occur).

API RP500 provides guidance for the industry that identifies where flammable vapors can be present. Withinspecific distances from the potential vapor sources (often 10 feet), spark producing equipment is prohibited.Any equipment, such as pumps or actuated valves, must be classified as safe to operate within the Class 1Division 1 (or 2) Area. Figure 51 below, from API RP 500, illustrates the Class 1 Division 2 area around atransfer pump. This illustration applies to any pump used to transfer material with the potential to releaseflammable vapors, such as condensate or produced water with entrained hydrocarbon vapors.

The pump shown in the photo below is common in the industry, but the gasoline engine is not acceptable foruse in a classified area. As noted in Figure 51, the pump is a classified location. This means that the motordriving the pump must be classified as well. If a gasoline engine is used to drive the transfer pump, it must belocated outside the classified area of the pump and any other process equipment that may be on location.

LESSONS LEARNED Gasoline engines are a known ignition source and are not permissible in classified areas. A pump is Class 1 Division 2 equipment if used for condensate or produced water (with flammable vapors). A motor attached to these pumps must be rated for use in Class 1 Division 2 areas (if within 10 ft of pump).

CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

Discontinue new installation of gasoline engines to operate pumps that transfer flammable liquid mixtures. Evaluate existing installations of this configuration and consider replacement of the gasoline engine. During the evaluation, develop an operating plan or use hot work permits if using these gasoline engines. Ensure the pumps used with fluids that may contain flammable vapors are Class 1 Division 2 rated. Additional guidance is forthcoming from EHS, Engineering, and Operations management.