Specialized Process Safety Solutions for Oil & Gas Operations
Smith & Burgess provides advanced process safety management (PSM) and engineering solutions specifically designed to address the rigorous operational demands and compliance requirements of the oil and gas industry. Our deep technical expertise supports safe, reliable, and audit-ready operations across the entire oil and gas value chain—from upstream production to downstream refining and petrochemical processing.
With decades of industry-specific experience, our consulting engineers deliver tailored solutions that minimize risk, optimize system performance, and maintain strict adherence to OSHA PSM (29 CFR 1910.119), EPA Risk Management Plans (RMP), and API standards, as well as internationally recognized good engineering practices (RAGAGEP).
Relief & Flare System Studies for Reliable, Compliant Operations
Oil and gas facilities depend on precise relief and flare system designs to ensure operational safety and regulatory compliance. Our specialized engineers perform comprehensive relief system analyses to validate design adequacy, optimize system performance, and ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.
Relief and Flare System Services
- Scenario Identification & Evaluation: Rigorous analysis to identify credible overpressure scenarios, including fire exposure, process upsets, thermal expansion, and blocked discharge conditions.
- Relief Device Sizing: Accurate relief valve and rupture disk sizing based on API 520/521 and ASME Section VIII standards.
- Flare Network Modeling: Comprehensive hydraulic modeling for flare headers, knockout drums, and seal systems, including dynamic and steady-state simulations.
- Flare System Optimization: Identification of bottlenecks and recommendations for cost-effective improvements.
- Documentation & PSI Management: Complete, audit-ready Pressure Safety Information (PSI) documentation maintained via our proprietary Salus® software platform.
Our thorough, data-driven approach helps clients reduce operational risks, improve audit performance, and minimize costly redesigns or delays.
Comprehensive Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Risk Mitigation
Smith & Burgess delivers extensive PHA support tailored to the oil and gas sector. We utilize proven methodologies such as Hazard and Operability (HAZOP), Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA), and Safety Integrity Level (SIL) assessments to identify, evaluate, and mitigate hazards before they escalate into incidents or compliance issues.
Key Process Hazard Analysis Services:
- Facilitated HAZOP and What-If Studies: In-depth assessments for critical process units and operational scenarios.
- LOPA and SIL Reviews: Determination of required Safety Integrity Levels and independent layers of protection.
- Facility Siting and Consequence Analysis: Compliance-focused siting evaluations aligned with API RP 752/753, OSHA, and EPA requirements.
- Mechanical Integrity Assessments: Comprehensive evaluations of equipment integrity and reliability to meet OSHA PSM requirements.
- Emergency Planning and Response: Robust planning aligned with regulatory expectations, including NFPA and API guidelines.
- Audit and Compliance Support: Preparation for OSHA PSM and EPA RMP audits, ensuring thorough documentation and actionable insights.
Independent Engineering Design Reviews to Ensure Project Success
Early identification of potential design risks is critical to avoiding costly project changes and ensuring compliance. Our third-party design reviews provide rigorous evaluations at every project stage—from conceptual and FEED through detailed engineering.
Engineering Review Capabilities Include:
- Conceptual and Feasibility Reviews: Early-stage reviews that identify potential compliance and operability issues.
- FEED Package Assessments: Rigorous validation of design bases, relief system assumptions, and regulatory alignment.
- Detailed Engineering Validation: Comprehensive review and verification of relief systems, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
- Regulatory and Owner Standard Alignment: Assurance that all designs meet API, OSHA, ASME, and internal engineering standards.
Our proactive reviews safeguard your project's technical integrity, cost management, and schedule reliability.
Proven Industry Expertise Across the Oil & Gas Value Chain
Smith & Burgess’s oil and gas experience spans:
- Upstream: Offshore platforms, onshore production facilities
- Midstream: Pipelines, compressor stations, terminals
- Downstream: Refineries, gas processing, petrochemical complexes
- LNG and specialized energy-transition projects
Our global perspective and deep technical understanding ensure tailored, high-impact solutions regardless of your operational context.