Operational challenges for processing facilities in the extreme cold

Extreme cold in this context is defined as air temperature from -20°C to -30°C.

The study addressed the following main themes:

• Systems and equipment that will require special design solutions due to low temperatures, including a description of potential solutions and measures
• Special considerations for design or operational requirements necessary in respect of rapid cooling due to unplanned shutdown, with associated start-up problems
• Special considerations necessary for ensuring the availability of selected safety systems

Result

The report has identified that processing plants in the extreme cold may face challenges in normal operation and during prolonged stoppages if necessary winterisation measures are not identified and established.

Based on a knowledge of the challenges caused by extreme cold, a strategy should be formulated to address these using technical and/or operational measures.

No problems were identified that would prevent operation down to -30⁰C if necessary measures are established.