Shell Singapore refinery hit by disruption; flaring activated

26 March 2012 10:10  [Source: ICIS news]

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Shell has activated a flaring system at its 500,000 bbl/day Bukom Island refinery in Singapore early on Monday, following disruption at one of its units at the site, a company spokeswoman said.

“We confirm that the flare system and fire alarm were activated this morning. A disruption at one of the units activated the fire alarm,” she said in an e-mailed statement, without elaborating on which unit was affected.

“The incident was quickly resolved with internal resources,” she said, adding that the flame and smoke seen rising from the refinery were from the plant’s flare system.

“Flaring occurs during scheduled maintenance activities or a result of unplanned operational interruptions,” the spokesperson said.

Flaring acts as a “safety relief valve” to allow combustible gases to be safely burnt and released as water and carbon dioxide, which are not hazardous, she added.

“There is no risk to the health and safety of the staff or public,” the company spokeswoman said.

Operations at Shell’s 800,000 tonne/year mixed-feed cracker at the site were not affected, according to sources familiar with the situation.

With additional reporting by Peh Soo Hwee

By: Nurluqman Suratman

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