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TB 152
TB 152
3. NITROGEN PURGE:
The Nitrogen Purge Procedure has been developed for environmentally sensitive areas
where the discharge of fluids is not permitted and / or the treatment of fluids is very
costly. It has proven to be a highly effective means of purging the MGS and related
piping.
3.1 Make certain the MGS and related piping are rigged for purging with the correct
fittings, hoses and valve arrangements. This must be done prior to placing the
MGS into service. Refer to Diagram 1 and Table 1.
Calculate the volume of the MGS and related piping to be purged. A minimum of
two (2) purges will be required and twice this volume of nitrogen is necessary for
each purge. For example:
If the total volume of the MGS and related piping is approximately 900 cu. ft.
- The first purge will require 1800 cu. ft. of nitrogen.
- The second purge will also require 1800 cu. ft. of nitrogen.
- Total nitrogen required will be 3600 cu. ft.
Note: In North America, nitrogen bottles typically contain 304 cu. ft. of nitrogen
at 2,300 to 2,500 psi.
3.2 Prior to the purging operation, notify the drilling contractor’s rig manager
(Toolpusher), the operator’s representative (Company Man) and the site safety
supervisor of the intention to purge the MGS and related piping.
3.3 Perform a JSA (Job Safety Analysis) with all crewmembers to be involved with
the purging procedure, emphasizing the hazards of working with toxic and
explosive gases, and preparations required in the event of fires on the rig and
injury to personnel.
3.4 Make certain that all sources of possible ignition have been extinguished or
removed from near the MGS and related piping. This includes; open flames,
welding operations, cigarette smoking and any potential sources of static
electricity such as PVC piping and static charges that may occur on personnel.
3.5 With all hatches, inspection ports and valves closed on the MGS, open the MGS
drain valve and the valve to the choke manifold buffer chamber. This will allow
the liquid seal and as much of the fluids remaining in the MGS to be removed as
well as the MGS supply line from the choke manifold. When finished draining
the MGS, close the drain valve on the MGS and the valve at the buffer chamber.
Close the mud discharge valve(s) to the shakers and/or trip tank. Use the U-
CAUTION: When Draining the MGS, methane or H2S gas may be released at
the point of discharge. For most offshore and land drilling rigs, this would be at
the shale shakers, reserve pit or holding tank. (Remember: H2S gas is
heavier than air and may be trapped in pockets at the bottom of the MGS
and methane is lighter than air and may be trapped in pockets at the top of
the MGS.)
3.6 Install the high-pressure hoses from the nitrogen bank to the nitrogen inlets on
the MGS drain and on the choke manifold buffer chamber. Secure breakaway
cables to the high-pressure hoses.
3.7 Clear all personnel from the shaker area of the mud tanks and burner area.
3.8 Clear all unnecessary personnel, not related to the purging operation, from the
MGS and choke manifold area.
3.9 If there is a burner, the igniter should be on, so the presence of gas inside of the
MGS can be detected and safely disposed.
3.11 After the first purge is completed, flush the inside of the MGS, as follows:
- Hook up water supply to the MGS inlet.
- Fill the MGS approximately 3 ft. full of water.
- A 4 ft. dia. MGS, requires 300 gals.
- A 6 ft. dia. MGS, requires 600 gals.
- Suction from the MGS drain and circulate into the MGS inlet to flush the
inside of the vessel.
Pump the flushed material to the shakers for treatment or the waste fluids
holding tank. If possible, suction the MGS supply line dry.
3.12 Rig down water circulation piping, as required, and prepare for the second
nitrogen purge.
3.13 Repeat Steps 3.6 to 3.11. Again, observe the presence of any gas at the gas
discharge. If gas is detected after second purge, repeat purge procedure.
3.14 When gas is no longer observed, turn off burner and fuel supply (if applicable).
Rig down all nitrogen bottles and hoses.
3.16 Use methane and H2S gas detection equipment to check for the presence of
hydrocarbon gases, inside of the MGS.
a. If gas is detected, repeat steps 3.6 to 3.12 with burner and its fuel supply
shut off.
b. If no gas is detected, open remaining inspection ports and continue with
cleaning and MGS inspection.
c. Clean all solids and fluids from inside of the MGS.
CAUTION: If oil based mud continues to lie inside of the MGS, hydrocarbon gases may
accumulate inside of the MGS creating an explosive hazard. This would require purging
the system again.
DIAGRAM 1
The Water Purge Procedure has been an effective means of clearing hydrocarbons from
MGS’s. This procedure has been modified to make the purge more thorough and
enhance the safety of this operation.
4.5 With all of the valves closed, open the bottom inspection port.
- Using an air blower, certified for ‘Hazardous Areas’, blow air into the MGS,
forcing the exhausted air to be blown out of the gas vent line (at the top of the
derrick for an offshore rig or at the flare area for a land rig). Minimum blower
size would be 1000 scfm. Secure grounding lead from blower to MGS.
- The blowing of forced air through the MGS should continue for at least one
hour.
- This will insure that any trapped pockets of gas will be circulated out of the
MGS.
4.6 Use methane and H2S detection equipment to check for the presence of
hydrocarbon gases, inside of the MGS.
a. If gas is detected repeat steps 4.3 to 4.5.
b. If no gas is detected, open remaining inspection ports and continue with
cleaning and MGS inspection.
c. Clean all solids and fluids from inside of the MGS
CAUTION: If oil based mud continues to lie inside of the MGS, hydrocarbon gases may
accumulate inside of the MGS creating an explosive hazard. This would require purging
the system again.
DIAGRAM 2