Crude Oil Storage and Handling Facilities: Understanding NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 Inquiry #2009-14

The Inquiry

The question is about crude oil storage and handling facilities operating at a total absolute pressure below 0.45 MPa. The inquiry seeks clarification on whether the paragraph in question includes only dead oil with no gas in equilibrium, and if gas in equilibrium with crude oil containing H₂S more than 0.3kPa (in the gas phase) would make the whole system sour. The question asks for advice on whether the understanding is correct or not.

The Answer

Crude oil storage and handling facilities refer to dead oil, and both H₂S and CO₂ are removed. The small residual amount is considered negligible, which is why these facilities are exempt from the standard. However, it’s the user’s responsibility to verify that these statements hold true for the relevant facilities.

This inquiry pertains to NACE MR0175/ISO 15156.

Reference: ISO 15156 Maintenance Panel Inquiry #2009-14.