Caisson Drainage Design - Guide To The Selection - BP - rp44-11

RP 44-11
GUIDE TO THE SELECTION,

ARRANGEMENT AND SPECIFICATION
OF OFFSHORE PLATFORM DRAINAGE
June 1992
Copyright The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.
Copyright The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.

All rights reserved. The information contained in this document is subject
to the terms and conditions of the agreement or contract under which the
document was supplied to the recipient's organisation. None of the
information contained in this document shall be disclosed outside the
recipient's own organisation without the prior written permission of
Manager, Standards, BP Engineering, BP International Limited, unless
the terms of such agreement or contract expressly allow.
BP GROUP RECOMMENDED PRACTICES AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEERING

Issue Date
Doc. No.
RP 44-11
June 1992
Latest Amendment Date
Document Title
GUIDE TO THE SELECTION,

ARRANGEMENT AND
SPECIFICATION OF OFFSHORE
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
(Replaces BP Engineering Code of Practice CP 47)
APPLICABILITY
Regional Applicability:
Business Applicability:
International
All Businesses
SCOPE AND PURPOSE

This Recommended Practice gives guidelines for the selection, arrangement and
specification of drainage systems within the topsides of offshore platforms. It includes
recommendations for minimising drainage requirements in order to optimise platform
weight and offshore drilling. While the principles herein are international in
applicability, reference is made to certain British Standards that provide a standard that
can be recommended.
AMENDMENTS
Amd
Date
Page(s)
Description
___________________________________________________________________
CUSTODIAN
Environmental Engineering
Issued by:-
Engineering Practices Group, BP International Limited, Research & Engineering Centre

Chertsey Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex, TW16 7LN, UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: +44 1932 76 4067
Fax: +44 1932 76 4077
Telex: 296041
CONTENTS
Section
Page
FOREWORD ....................................................................................................................iv
1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................1
1.1 Scope .....................................................................................................................1
2. OVERALL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................2
2.1 General.....................................................................................................................2
2.2 Safety 2
2.3 Piping Specification.................................................................................................3
2.3.1 General............................................................................................. 3
2.3.2 Open Drainage Systems ................................................................... 3
2.3.3 Closed Drainage Systems................................................................. 4
2.3.4 Sanitary Drainage Systems............................................................... 4
2.4 Catchment Areas......................................................................................................4
2.5 Drainage Gulleys .....................................................................................................5
2.6 Collection System Maintenance ..............................................................................5
2.7 Outfall Locations .....................................................................................................6
3. GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS .................................................................6
3.1 Topsides Structural Design Considerations.............................................................6
3.2 Gravity Flow Requirements.....................................................................................7
3.3 Hydraulic Design .....................................................................................................8
3.3.1 General............................................................................................. 8
3.3.2 Open Drainage Systems ................................................................... 8
3.3.2.1 Peak Flows ....................................................................................... 9
3.3.2.2 Minimum Flows/Sediment Transport Capability ............................ 9
3.3.2.3 Surcharging of Gulleys .................................................................. 10
3.3.2.4 Hydraulic Capacity and Line Sizing .............................................. 10
3.3.2.5 Maintaining Liquid Levels in Loop Seals/Seal Pots ...................... 11
3.3.3 Closed Drainage Systems............................................................... 11
3.3.4 Sanitary Drainage Systems............................................................. 11
3.4 Thermal Design .....................................................................................................11
3.5 Weight Minimisation.............................................................................................11
3.6 Module Drainage Design and Hookup Minimisation............................................12
3.7 Winterisation .........................................................................................................12
3.8 Helidecks ...............................................................................................................12
3.9 Corrosion ...............................................................................................................12
4. OIL-FREE WATER DRAINAGE ...........................................................................13
4.1 General...................................................................................................................13
4.2 Equipment Requirements ......................................................................................13
RP 44-11
GUIDE TO THE SELECTION, ARRANGEMENT
AND SPECIFICATION OF OFFSHORE
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE i
5. OILY WATER OPEN DRAINAGE ........................................................................14

5.1 General...................................................................................................................14
5.2 Oil/Water Separation Facilities .............................................................................15
6. OILY WATER CLOSED DRAINAGE...................................................................21
6.1 General...................................................................................................................21
7. DRILLING AREAS DRAINAGE............................................................................26
8. FIREWATER OVERFLOW DRAINAGE .............................................................27
8.1 General...................................................................................................................27
9. CHEMICAL DRAINAGE ........................................................................................29
9.1 General...................................................................................................................29
9.2.1 Chemical Drainage Piping ............................................................. 31
10. SANITARY DRAINAGE..........................................................................................31
10.1 General................................................................................................................31
10.2 Equipment Requirements ...................................................................................31
10.2.1 Sanitary Drainage Collection Piping.............................................. 31
10.2.2 Seals ............................................................................................... 32
10.2.3 Sewage Outfall Line....................................................................... 32
33
FIGURE 1a.......................................................................................................................33
SIMPLIFIED OVERALL DRAINAGE SYSTEM (DRAINAGE CAISSON
SEPARATION PLUS OIL REMOVAL PACKAGE) ................................................33
FIGURE 1b ......................................................................................................................34
SIMPLIFIED OVERALL DRAINAGE SYSTEM .....................................................34
(PRIMARY OIL SEPARATION UPSTREAM OF DRAINAGE CAISSON)...........34
FIGURE 2.........................................................................................................................35
TYPICAL TOPSIDES DRAINAGE ARRANGEMENT ...........................................35
FIGURE 3.........................................................................................................................36
OIL-FREE WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM SCHEMATIC......................................36
FIGURE 4a.......................................................................................................................37
OILY WATER OPEN DRAINAGE SYSTEM SCHEMATIC...................................37
(DRAINAGE CAISSON SEPARATION PLUS OIL REMOVAL PACKAGE) .......37
FIGURE 4b ......................................................................................................................38
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE ii
OILY WATER OPEN DRAINAGE SYSTEM SCHEMATIC...................................38

(PRIMARY OIL SEPARATION UPSTREAM OF DRAINAGE CAISSON)...........38
FIGURE 5.........................................................................................................................39
OILY WATER CLOSED DRAINAGE SYSTEM SCHEMATIC .............................39
FIGURE 6.........................................................................................................................40
DRILLING AREAS DRAINAGE SYSTEM SCHEMATIC......................................40
FIGURE 7.........................................................................................................................41
FIREWATER OVERFLOW DRAINAGE SYSTEM SCHEMATIC.........................41
FIGURE 8.........................................................................................................................42
CHEMICAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM SCHEMATIC..................................................42
FIGURE 9.........................................................................................................................43
SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEM SCHEMATIC ..................................................43
APPENDIX A...................................................................................................................44
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................44
APPENDIX B...................................................................................................................45
LIST OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS ..................................................................45
APPENDIX C...................................................................................................................46
SUPPLEMENTARY COMMENTARY .....................................................................46
C1 Scope.................................................................................................... 46
C2 General................................................................................................. 46
C3 Gravity Flow Requirements ................................................................. 47
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE iii
FOREWORD
Introducation to BP Group Recommended Practices and Specifications for Engineering

The Introductory volume contains a series of documents that provide an introduction to the
BP Group Recommended Practices and Specifications for Engineering (RPSEs). In
particular, the 'General Foreword' sets out the philosophy of the RPSEs. Other documents in
the Introductory volume provide general guidance on using the RPSEs and background
information to Engineering Standards in BP. There are also recommendations for specific
definitions and requirements.
Value of this Recommended Practice
This document represents the accumulated knowledge of BP in offshore drainage from a
variety of projects. There are no comprehensive external documents addressing this
specialised area, other documents being concerned with onshore systems. Provision of the
required segregated drainage systems offshore has wide ranging safety and environmental
implications which are addressed in this document to allow cost effective design to be
achieved.
Application
Text in italics is Commentary. Commentary provides background information which
supports the requirements of the Recommended Practice, and may discuss alternative options.
Contractors shall develop designs in accordance with the principles of this Recommended
Practice. Designs will then be subject to general discussion and agreement with BP. For this
reason, actions requiring approval or specification by BP are not individually identified in
this document.
This document may refer to certain local, national or international regulations but the
responsibility to ensure compliance with legislation and any other statutory requirement lies
with the user. The user should adapt or supplement this document to ensure compliance for
the specific application.
Principal Changes from Previous Edition
Safe and hazardous drainage systems are now totally independent.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE iv
Feedback and Further Information

Users are invited to feed back any comments and to detail experiences in the application of
BP RPSEs, to assist in the process of their continuous improvement.
For feedback and further information, please contact Standards Group, BP Engineering or the
Custodian. See Quarterly Status List for contacts.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE v
1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Scope
1.1.1
This Recommended Practice presents guidelines for the selection,

arrangement and specification of drainage systems within the topsides
of offshore platforms. Particular attention is given to the specific
points that require consideration during conceptual design
development - especially those concerned with safety.
Recommendations for minimising drainage requirements in order to
optimise platform weight and offshore hook-up are an integral part of
the document.
See Appendix C1 for Commentary.
1.1.2
This document deals with the analysis of the drainage requirements on

a fixed platform, and the selection of the appropriate system for the
following:(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
1.1.3
Oil-free water drainage system.

Oily water open drainage system.(Safe and Hazardous)
Oily water closed drainage system.(Safe and Hazardous)
Drilling areas drainage system.
Firewater overflow drainage system.
Chemical drainage system.
Sanitary drainage system.
This document does not cover:The treatment and handling of produced (formation) water, and
discharges arising from the use of oil-based muds.
All aspects of detailed design, although some important design points
are included. It does not include manufacture, construction or
commissioning.
Requirements specific to floating production platforms, but reference
should be made to the guidelines of this document when developing
drainage philosophies for such installations.
The collection and disposal of once-through seawater cooling water,
although this may feature in the design of the platform effluent system.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 1
2.
OVERALL REQUIREMENTS
2.1
General
2.1.1
At an early stage of design, a drainage requirement study shall be

carried out to identify every source of platform effluent, and the
drainage systems that are required for their disposal.
Early evaluation will minimise conflict with platform structural requirements.
The study shall consider the routing of the platform effluent into one or
more of the segregated systems covered in Sections 4 to 10 inclusive.
Consistent with the requirements for safe design, the number of
collection systems shall be kept to a minimum.
This Recommended Practice assumes segregation of the produced
water system from the oil-free and oily water drainage systems.
2.1.2
Consideration should be given to the integration of drainage into the

process facilities wherever possible.
If process conditions permit, this may allow savings in system extent
and equipment duties. Any such integration shall take full account of
the produced (formation) water treatment system.
For example by using the LP flare drum as the closed drain collection drum. The
operational consequences of likely additional maintenance of the flare drum should
be evaluated. Flare systems are pressurised and the possibility of back-flow into the
drain system must be considered.
Segregation of the produced water system is due to:(a)
Commingling being detrimental to the final effluent
(b)
Risk of barium/strontium scale deposition.
(c)
Requirement to prevent recycling of detergent which may adversely affect

performance of the produced water package.
It is necessary to recognise the use of detergents as part of an ongoing good

housekeeping policy. All effluent separators have limited performance when
detergents are extensively used. Therefore, with such equipment, BP operational
procedures should limit the use of detergents and make use of alternative cleaning
procedures (e.g. high pressure water jets) or, if no alternative, 'fast break'
detergents.
See Appendix C2.
2.2
Safety
The following general principles shall be applied to the design of all
drainage systems:(a)
Drainage systems shall be designed to prevent potential gas

routes from one area to another through the drains.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 2
Particular attention should be given to avoidance of flow from hazardous to

non-hazardous areas and also between hazardous areas.
An explosion which resulted from gas flowing from a hazardous area to a
non-hazardous area, and subsequently being ignited, occurred on Shell
Cormorant Alpha platform on 3rd March 1983. Further details of this
incident are given in document No. LL3/86 held by the Health, Safety and
Environmental Services Division of BP Exploration.
(b)
The design shall not permit pressures to build up inside

drainage systems to the extent that flow of hazardous materials
to non-hazardous areas could occur, e.g. because of blockage
due to freezing.
Oily water open drains from hazardous and non-hazardous
areas shall be led separately to the oil/water separation facility.
(See Figure 4a and Figure 4b). Also, the closed drain drum
discharge shall not be connected to an oily water separator
associated with the oily water open drainage system.
(c)
Hazardous and non-hazardous areas shall be separated as

defined by the platform hazardous area drawings.
(d)
Procedures shall be developed and regularly reviewed to avoid

pressure surges in common drain systems.
For example, when blowing-down sight glasses or instrumentation. There
may, in some circumstances, be a requirement for an intermediate pressure
reduction stage, appropriately vented.
Attention to these basic points shall be given in order to prevent the known
possibility of gas being blown back through a liquid seal in the oily water
drainage system, and subsequently being ignited by welding operations or
other potential sources of ignition.
2.3
Piping Specification
2.3.1
General
The specification for the pipework of drainage systems should be
compatible with the associated piping system.
2.3.2
Open Drainage Systems
2.3.2.1
For open (vented-to-atmosphere) drainage systems, the requirements of

the piping specification for the relevant service may be relaxed.
Relaxation should also be considered for drainage systems normally
closed (spaded) and only used when the process system is
depressurised.
For example, to allow the use of socket welded fittings in sizes not greater than NPS
1 1/2 (DN 40) in place of butt-welded joints, and a possible reduction in testing.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 3
2.3.2.2
Where appropriate, welded sleeve joints may be considered.

Welded sleeve joints may especially be considered for installation of spool pieces on
offshore hook-up.
2.3.3
Closed Drainage Systems
2.3.3.1
The pressure rating of pipework and fittings on closed drainage

systems (i.e. oily water closed drainage and chemical drainage
systems) shall reflect the most severe upstream process temperature
and pressure conditions which may be applied to the system if
blockage or overloading occurs.
Appropriate pressure rating is particularly important where auto-refrigeration may
cause ice or hydrate formation, or where waxy or viscous materials are being blowndown.
Trace heating and lagging may be required on some closed drainage pipework for
such duties.
It should be noted that corrosion can take place under lagging if water ingress
occurs, e.g. from washdown.
2.3.3.2
Drain sources of different pressure (class) rating shall not be

manifolded together. Drain headers of each rating shall be routed
directly and separately to the closed drain drum.
2.3.4
Sanitary Drainage Systems

Piping specification shall comply with BS 5572 or equivalent.
2.4
Catchment Areas
Catchment areas shall be related to the process equipment which they
surround. All areas must drain freely and away from other equipment.
(see also 3.1).
Due allowance must be made for out-of-true alignment. High points should be
under equipment where possible.
2.5
Drainage Gulleys
2.5.1
Drainage channels recessed into the deck should be made as short as

possible in hazardous areas, to minimise risk of spread of fire due to
flammable liquids and vapours in the channels.
2.5.2
Gulleys shall be designed to slope towards the outlet, such that they do
not remain permanently liquid-filled. Use of weirs in gulleys generally
should be avoided. Deck gulleys should be covered with grating.
Unobstructed drainage will facilitate ease of cleaning, and reduce the risk of fire
spreading in the event of a minor hydrocarbon spill.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 4
The grating should not present a trip hazard. The effect of partial blockage of the
grating by debris such as rags or lagging should be considered.
2.5.3
The normally-used gulley outlet (i.e. not the firewater overflow gulley
outlet) shall be fitted with a readily removable large-mesh strainer.
2.6
Collection System Maintenance
2.6.1
All loop seals should be fully roddable or flanged to permit removal in

the event of a blockage.
2.6.2
All drainage pipe runs shall be fully roddable.

The number and location of rodding-out points and removable flanged fittings shall
be determined during detailed design, taking account of the rodding out procedure
to be adopted and the ease of access. To facilitate access, swept rodding eyes may
be brought through decks.
2.6.3
Access to rodding points shall be considered in detail during design

development. Branch connections to headers should be of the 'swept T'
type to facilitate rodding operations.
Particular consideration should be given to access to rodding points located on the
underside of the platform lowest deck. An aim in design shall be to avoid running
piping below the lowest deck. Following the guidelines in this Recommended
Practice should enable such pipework (and possible associated heat tracing) to be
minimised. The use of catch pots and pumps (fixed or portable) should be considered
if necessary and in preference to under-deck piping.
2.6.4
Spade isolation shall be provided to enable facilities to be isolated

where required during construction/commissioning, and for
maintenance without complete shut down of the platform. The
required number and location of spade isolation points shall be
determined during detailed design. Spades shall be located in
accessible and prominent positions.
2.6.5
Isolation spade points shall be provided with a valve on each side of

the spade, except where the spade is next to a vessel isolation valve, in
which case, a downstream valve only will be sufficient. If more than
one production train is being provided, then the drains shall each be
provided with spade isolation to allow one train to be maintained
without shutdown of the process. There should be provision for
separate draining connections on isolated sections of line, where
breaking of flanged joints is not a practicable method of draining.
These connections will allow purging prior to removal or reinstatement
of a spade.
The provision of drain connections will be influenced by the particular application.
e.g., the nature of the fluid and the hold-up volume and location of the isolated line
section. Thus, sections of small bore lines having a hold-up capacity of a few litres
and whose contents would not represent a direct hazard to personnel or nearby
operational equipment, would not require drain connections.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 5
2.6.6
The valves selected for isolation duty in drainage collection headers

shall be full-bore to facilitate rodding, and to allow liquids and silt to
be freely discharged. Where possible lightweight valve designs should
be adopted.
2.7
Outfall Locations
All drainage outfalls shall be positioned so that platform pump intakes
(particularly those feeding the potable water plant) are at maximum
distance and across normal tidal current direction. Outfalls would
typically be at different depth from any water intake.
All overflows via deck plates shall be arranged to have discharge
overboard away from equipment, personnel, escape routes and
lifeboats on lower decks.
3.
GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

3.1
Topsides Structural Design Considerations
3.1.1
At an early stage, structural design shall take account of:(a)
Falls in Deck Areas

Deck areas should be sloped towards gulleys (or external edge if shedding
oil-free water overboard although this method should be avoided if
possible) at a net gradient (allowing for possible out-of-level alignment
after installation) of not less than 1:80. Falls and gulley locations should
be arranged so that water is not shed from one side of the deck right across
to the other side. Attention should be paid to possible implications of a
sloping deck on the design of the supporting structure. Due regard shall be
given to deck plate settling under load and the stiffening action due to the
use of box section gulleys.
(b)
Penetrations through Structural Steel Members

In order to facilitate drain line falls, to avoid interference with other
systems and for ease of maintenance, gravity drainage systems should be
kept as close to the underside of the platform decks as possible. In the case
of the platform bottom deck drainage, platform underside piping should be
avoided (see 2.6.3). These aims may often be achieved only if the structural
steel members supporting the decks are appropriately designed for
drainage line penetrations.
(c)
Location of Closed Drain Drum

Structural design may be required to make space allowance between main
deck beams for mounting a closed drain drum half below the lower deck
(see also 3.2).
(d)
The weight loading caused by temporary accumulation of

firewater during deluge.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 6
3.2
Gravity Flow Requirements
3.2.1
Drainage systems should be designed to operate, wherever practicable,

by gravity with a minimum net fall of 1:100. Where pumps are
required, pumps with low turbulent energy dissipation should be used,
and the resultant emulsification of oil in water accounted for in
downstream separation facilities design.
Pumping should be avoided wherever possible, especially on the oil/water drainage
systems where the resultant emulsification of the oil in the water will impair the
performance of downstream separation facilities.
3.2.2
Pipes should be at such levels and gradients that liquids are not
retained in any part of a drain system other than where designed to be
so in the various traps.
3.2.3
Due account shall be taken of the likelihood of modules being out of

level after construction and installation.
The minimum design falls suggested in this Recommended Practice shall be
considered as net falls, i.e. the fall that will be achieved if the modules are installed
with maximum out-of-level tolerance.
In the case of a fixed platform where a drain header requires a net fall of 1:100 and
the estimated maximum tolerance of module out-of-level after fabrication and
installation is 1/2 degree (i.e. 1:114), then the required slope of header relative to
the module will be:1
1
1
+
=
i.e. 1:53
100 114 53
In some cases, the variation in the level of gravity drain lines is limited by the
available vertical space under platform decks. Judicious arrangement of falling
gravity drain lines towards centrally placed collection points will make the best use
of the variation in levels permitted by such limitations.
See Appendix C3.
3.2.4
Where up-hill collection lines are unavoidable, there may be a need for
gas pressure for blow-down of equipment and use of special operating
procedures.
For cases where effluent sources will be at a low level, it may be appropriate to
consider the following arrangements in order to avoid up-hill closed drain collection
lines which normally are not acceptable:(a)
Locate the closed drain drum in or below the lowest level module floor.
(b)
Locate local closed drain catch pot(s) at appropriate points around the
low-level modules, and feed the closed drain drum by means of low
turbulent energy dissipation pumps (permanent or temporary).
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 7
(c)
Locate the inlet nozzles of the closed drain drum at a lower level than the
normal top mountings, but above the normal maximum operating level.
3.3
Hydraulic Design
3.3.1
General
Calculation of the hydraulic gradient within a drainage system shall be
based on roughness factors appropriate to mature pipework.
Consideration should be given to the use of hydraulic dampers on any
large diameter lines to prevent flash flooding due to long vertical runs
of pipe.
3.3.2
Open Drainage Systems

The hydraulic design of open (vented-to-atmosphere) drainage systems
involves detailed consideration of the following:(a)
Peak flows.
(b)
Minimum flows/sediment transport capability.
(c)
Degree of surcharge that can be tolerated.
(d)
Hydraulic capacity and line sizing.
(e)
Maintaining liquid levels in loop seals/seal pots.
(f)
Provision of adequate vents.
3.3.2.1
Peak Flows
3.3.2.1.1
The drainage systems shall be designed for the greater of the following
three flows:(a)
(b)
(c)
Rain-water plus process effluent.

Washdown water plus process effluent.
Firewater plus associated process leakage.
The platform open drainage systems are required to carry process effluents,
washdown water, rain-water and firewater. Note that in the case of deck areas
drained into the oily water open drainage system, this peak flow will be met by the
oily water open drainage system (see Section 5) and the firewater overflow drainage
system (see Section 8).
3.3.2.1.2
The design rate of firewater drainage from a process area shall be the
greater of:either
The rate of firewater deluge water applied to the area.
or
The rate of firewater applied to the area with the

maximum number of fire hoses and fixed monitors in
use.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 8
Specific flow rates for deluge water depend upon local statutory regulations. For
example, in the case of platform designs that follow UK Statutory Instruments 1978
No. 611 (The offshore installations (fire-fighting equipment) regulations 1978), the
rate of firewater applied can be calculated on the basis of 12.2 litres per minute over
each square metre of designated area (0.25 gallons/square foot/minute). There
may be additional flows determined by the need to protect individual plant
components, firewalls and structures.
Firewater flowrate employed should be the maximum output from all installed
nozzles not just the design output of the deluge system.
The design rate of rain-water flow from open decks can be calculated from
considering the design storm intensity on the exposed area. It will usually be very
much less than that indicated above. Guidance regarding calculation methods,
which include consideration of vertical surfaces, is given in BS 6367 and BP Group
RP 4-1.
3.3.2.2
Minimum Flows/Sediment Transport Capability
3.3.2.2.1
Calculations shall be made to determine the minimum flow at which

deposited solids are flushed out. This flow shall not exceed the
hydraulic capacity of the drains.
Minimum flows arise when only process effluent is being discharged into the
drainage system, or even if flow has completely stopped. In such cases, the flow
velocities required for self cleansing (i.e. sediment transport) are seldom maintained.
As part of routine platform operating procedures, BP may establish a planned
programme for flushing open drainage systems. Flushing will also ensure that
liquid levels in loop seals and in seal pots on the open drain systems are maintained.
BP Group RP 4-1 specifies a self cleansing velocity of 0.8 m/s, which shall be
considered when calculating the required minimum flow.
3.3.2.2.2
The drilling system deck drains should be segregated from other

platform drains.Water flush and/or rodding should be provided at
potential sludge build-up points.The cement handling area deck drains
shall be provided with a permanent flush facility.
Operational activities in the cement handling area can generate large amounts of
solids which will probably settle in the drains and form solid plugs.
3.3.2.3
Surcharging of Gulleys
Surcharging of gulleys in open drainage shall be accommodated by
provision of freeboard above the design flow rate level. This freeboard
shall be not less than 100mm. For gulleys provided with firewater
overflows (see also 8.2.1), the freeboard shall be between the design
flow rate level and the lip of the overflow tundish.
3.3.2.4
Hydraulic Capacity and Line Sizing
3.3.2.4.1
Calculation of hydraulic capacity should be based on the ColebrookWhite formula.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 9
The hydraulic capacity of open drains depends on pipe size, allowances for entry,
exit and fittings losses, gradient, condition, degree of surcharge that can be tolerated
and the nature of liquid to be carried.
3.3.2.4.2
Drain lines should not be smaller than a certain minimum size,

typically NPS 1 1/2 (DN 40).
Avoidance of small lines will reduce the risk of blockage with corrosion products or
other debris such as lagging.
3.3.2.4.3
A hydraulic check on small-bore piping systems should be considered

to ensure adequate flow capability, e.g. chemical drain lines.
3.3.2.4.4
Air entrainment, especially in downcomers, shall be assessed and

action taken to avoid vibration.
Air entrainment can, in some circumstances, lead to unstable flow conditions and
generate pipe vibration. Downcomers carrying large quantities of liquid (as in a
firefighting situation) are the most susceptible. The problem occurs at Froude
Numbers greater than about 0.35.
*G 1
*L 2
= liquid superficial velocity
= pipe internal diameter
= acceleration due to gravity
= liquid specific gravity
= gas specific gravity
Froude No = VL gd (*L where
VL
d
g
*L
*G
(all units to be consistent to yield a dimensionless result)

Reference: 'Sizing Piping for Process Plants' L.L. Simpson, 'Chemical Engineering',
June 17th ,1968, pp 203-205.
Three options are available to avoid the problem:(i)
Adequately support the pipework and tolerate the unstable flow,
(ii)
Design to ensure operation at Froude Nos below 0.35
(iii)
Provide drain entry boxes with integral vortex breakers such that the liquid
depth will be sufficient to avoid entrainment. (There will be intermediate
situations when flow rates will be low enough to give unstable conditions)
3.3.2.5
Maintaining Liquid Levels in Loop Seals/Seal Pots
3.3.2.5.1
Piping design shall prevent the possibility of syphonic emptying of

loop seals.
3.3.3
Closed Drainage Systems

The hydraulic design of closed drainage systems shall follow methods
appropriate to flooded systems (i.e. lines fully liquid-filled). - see also
3.3.2.4.2
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 10
3.3.4
Sanitary Drainage Systems

The hydraulic design of the sanitary drainage system shall follow BS
5572 or equivalent.
3.4
Thermal Design
Drainage piping system design shall accommodate thermal
expansion/contraction of lines, resulting from the temperature range of
effluents.
3.5
Weight Minimisation
3.5.1
As open drainage piping systems are subject to negligible pressure,

construction from lightweight material shall be considered in
appropriate locations, e.g. thin wall carbon steel with adequate
corrosion allowance (both inside and out) or GRP. Special
consideration of support location may be necessary.
3.5.2
On small drain lines, e.g. instrument drain headers, compression

fittings may be used where permitted by the piping specification (see
2.3).
3.6
Module Drainage Design and Hookup Minimisation
3.6.1
In order to minimise offshore hook-up time, drainage collection system

pipework should be contained within the structure of the module and
be included in the scope of the onshore fabricator. Access
requirements and possible final out-of-alignment problems should be
considered. See 3.2.3.
3.6.2
Drainage piping systems should preferably not be exposed below

platform floors. Where this is not practicable, heat tracing should be
considered, to avoid freezing (see also 3.7).
3.6.3
Where possible, pipework of each system should be combined to a

common header within each module before passing to the next, to
reduce the number of inter-module connections.
3.6.4
Consistent with operational convenience and efficiency, washroom and

toilet facilities should be centralised within a minimum number of
modules. Consideration should be given to providing both 'dirty' and
'clean' facilities within the accommodation module rather than
providing separate facilities in adjacent modules.
3.7
Winterisation
Where applicable, drainage lines, loop seals, seal pots and headers
shall be protected for winterisation in accordance with BP Group RP
44-2.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 11
3.8
Helidecks
Helidecks shall be surrounded by gulleys discharging directly to sea in
cases where fuel loading does not take place. Where fuel loading takes
place the drains shall flow to the oily water open drainage collection
system. Drains pipework shall be able to cope with burning fuel. See
also 8.1.
3.9
Corrosion
3.9.1
The drains system design shall fully consider susceptibility to

corrosion. Materials selected, fabrication procedures and layout shall
be such as to ensure that corrosion damage remains within acceptable
limits.
Offshore drainage systems may suffer corrosion damage from aerated seawater and
water containing dissolved CO2 or H2S. Damage is usually severe in the transition
zones between wet and dry regions which, for example, feature in loop seals, dip
pipes, seal pots, pipework low points and where stagnant water can accumulate.
Welding procedures and materials will influence the susceptibility to corrosion of the
heat-affected-zones of the welds.
3.9.2
Corrosion monitoring procedures should be applied to those areas at

most risk.
Refer to BP Group RP 6-1 for details of corrosion monitoring methods.
4.
OIL-FREE WATER DRAINAGE

4.1
General
4.1.1
This system shall be provided to deal with oil-free water drainage, for
example potable water overflows, run-off (including firewater) from
module roofs and open deck areas, other than those liable to be
contaminated by oil or chemicals.
4.1.2
Intermittent oil-free water flows (e.g. rain-water and firewater) from

topsides deck areas should be discharged overboard. This may be
achieved by either of the following methods:(a)
Routing of run-off over the deck plates away from other plant
areas and discharge overboard.
(b)
Collection of water in headers connected to an outboard

discharge point below the platform topsides.
Method (a) is preferred as the lower-cost solution.

Where Method (a) is not acceptable, a piped drainage system in
accordance with Method (b) shall be provided, and have sufficient
capacity to accommodate maximum firewater run-off. (See also
Section 8)
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 12
4.1.3
Continuous oil-free water drainage flows shall be directed to a

seawater outfall caisson, independently of the oil-free water drainage
system.
4.2
Equipment Requirements
4.2.1
Gulleys
Oil-free water drainage gulleys should be provided as shown in Figure
3 . (See also Section 8.2.1)
4.2.2
Drainage Headers and Sub-Headers

Subject to module pressurisation requirements, the drainage headers
and sub-headers should contain no loop seals or pockets, and should be
designed to drain towards an outboard discharge point below the
topsides bottom deck level.
4.2.3
Seals
Modules that are designed to be pressurised shall be provided with
loop seals to prevent air losses. The depth of liquid required in these
seals will depend upon the pressure level chosen for the module, and
likely pressure surges e.g. doors opening and closing.
5.
OILY WATER OPEN DRAINAGE

5.1
General
5.1.1
An open (i.e. vented-to-atmosphere) system shall be provided for the

drainage of water contaminated by oil, such as may originate from the
following sources:(a)
Rain-water, washdown water and firewater from deck areas

which are liable to be oil contaminated.
(b)
Spillages and leaks from process equipment.
(c)
Cooling water from water-cooled glands and bearings of

equipment on hydrocarbon duty.
(d)
Drainage from sample points, drain cocks, hydrocarbon

overflows and equipment fittings.
(e)
Water from transformer bays.
(f)
Water from laboratory oil sinks.
Figure 4a and Figure 4b are schematic diagrams for typical oily water
open drainage systems. Figure 4a is based on drainage caisson
separation; Figure 4b is based on primary oil separation before the
drainage caisson. These separation facilities are described in 5.2.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 13
5.1.2
Oily water drainage from topsides deck areas should normally be

collected in headers, and flow by gravity to the applicable oil/water
separation facility (see 5.2.1 or 5.2.2).
Where an oily water separator is used, as indicated in Figure 4b, this
should be located at a low enough level to permit the gravity inflow of
oily water effluent from the lowest deck.
Under abnormal conditions of firewater surge flow, oily water drainage
will be diverted from the headers - see Section 8.
5.1.3
Oily water drainage from non-hazardous areas shall be collected in

headers separate from those for hazardous areas. It is essential that
flammable vapour leakage through oily water drains to non-hazardous
areas be prevented. The oily water drain headers from non-hazardous
areas shall be provided with a seal pot in addition to individual traps at
inlet gulleys, etc.
5.1.4
Where bulk storage is to be provided for helifuel, lube oil and seal oil,
the handling areas shall be provided with kerbs and valved connections
to the oily water open drainage system; the valves normally being
closed.
Valves to drain may be opened to dispose of uncontaminated rain-water. If minor
contamination is present, adequate water flushing shall be available, and the area
cleared via the drains.
5.2
Oil/Water Separation Facilities
5.2.1
Primary Oil Separation in the Drainage Caisson
5.2.1.1
This method of separation is indicated in Figure 1a and Figure 4a.

Oily water drainage shall be discharged directly to the drainage
caisson.
A treatment loop is provided to allow the upper liquid layers in the drainage caisson
to be recycled by a drainage caisson pump, under manual control, through an
external oil removal package, e.g. an oil water filter coalescer.
Sample points provided in the external pipework allow assessment of the degree of
oil contamination present.
The recovered oil is passed under manual control directly to the process, e.g. to the
main crude oil line downstream of the LP production separator outlet.
Note that the receiving process may be at a pressure which may present a risk of
flow-reversal in some failure situations.
Water from the oil removal package is returned to the drainage caisson to a region
near the sea outlet unless poor quality is demonstrated by sampling. In this case, the
stream is diverted to the upper region of the caisson for further processing.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 14
The oil removal package should be integrated with the drainage caisson pump. The
feed to the package will be intermittent, and as most of the solids collected in the
drainage system will have fallen out in the caisson, the necessity for pre-filters or
other means of sludge/solids removal in the feed line to the oil removal package
should be evaluated.
The feed to the oil removal package will be under manual control, unlike the feed to
the oily water separator, and will be of known volume and pressure, thus permitting
the selection of compact proprietary equipment.
5.2.2
Primary Oil Separation Upstream of Drainage Caisson
5.2.2.1
This method of separation is indicated in Figure 1b and Figure 4b. It

shall be used for Gulf of Mexico applications and should also be
considered if discharge consent conditions cannot be met by separation
within the caisson alone.
Suspended oil is separated from water and collected in a separated oil compartment.
Separated oil is pumped under manual control directly to the process, e.g. to the
main crude oil line downstream of the LP production separator outlet.
Note that the receiving process may be at a pressure which may present a risk of
flow-reversal in some failure situations.
The water fraction is led over a weir arrangement in the oily water separator, and
discharged to the drainage caisson.
A drainage caisson pump is provided as an additional facility, to allow any gross oil
spillage into the drainage caisson to be returned to the closed drain drum. To check
whether oil is present in the drainage caisson, the pump shall be arranged to recycle
oil/water back to the caisson via a tundish. If a visual check of oil/water being
collected by the tundish indicates the presence of a significant quantity of oil in the
drainage caisson, then the pump discharge shall be arranged to be diverted to the
closed drain drum. This operation should be supervised throughout to minimise the
risk of pumping 100% seawater subsequent to removal of oil. This will avoid the
addition of excessive quantities of water to the closed drain drum.
5.2.2.2
Oily water drainage shall be discharged into an oily water separator.

A bypass around the oily water separator is provided to allow maintenance, cleaning
and inspection whilst the platform is on line.
5.3
5.3.1
Drainage Collection
5.3.1.1
Piping from tundishes, equipment drip pans and drain gulleys shall
incorporate loop seals. The seal depth shall be consistent with module
pressurisation requirements but not less than 300 mm.
5.3.2
Drainage Headers and Sub-Headers
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 15
5.3.2.1
Other than at loop seals and seal pots, drainage headers and subheaders shall contain no pockets, and shall drain towards the
applicable oil/water separation facility (see 3.1 and 3.2).
5.3.2.2
Separate drainage headers shall be run from the hazardous and nonhazardous areas to the applicable oil/water separation facility, to avoid
the possibility of backflow from the hazardous to non-hazardous areas.
5.3.3
Seal Pots
5.3.3.1
Where liquid seals are required on a drain header from a hazardous

area, seal pots should be used in preference to piping loop seals.
5.3.3.2
The seal pots should have a seal depth at least twice the seal depth of
the loop seals at drainage collection points. The seal depth shall not be
less than 600 mm.
5.3.3.3
Modules that are designed to be pressurised will require a seal depth

suited to the level of pressurisation for the module.
5.3.3.4
Seal pots shall be connected to suitable vents or vent headers so that

trapped gas is safely vented and pressure fluctuations in one drainage
system cannot adversely affect another.
5.3.3.5
Seal pots should be provided with liquid-sealed overflow lines which

discharge to sea at a safe location.
5.3.3.6
Each seal pot shall be fitted with test cocks set at appropriate levels to
allow the level of liquid seal in the pot to be proven.
5.3.3.7
The seal pot design and location should consider the need for routine
seal level checking and cleaning.
5.3.3.8
Operating procedures should be developed which involve routine

flushing, cleaning and inspection of seal pots.
5.3.4
Vents
5.3.4.1
Vents shall be provided in the oily water drainage system to maintain

atmospheric pressure, and to release flammable vapours arising in the
system. Lines shall drain back into the drainage system. Vents shall be
in accordance with API RP 14C.
Failure to provide vents can result in drainage systems being vapour locked as a
result of vapour pressure. Such vapour locking will restrict drains flows or possibly
even result in the blow-out of liquid seals.
5.3.4.2
Vent outlets shall be diverted away from sources of ignition.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 16
5.3.4.3
Flame arresters shall be fitted to vent outlets that discharge into areas
where an intermittent source of ignition is possible.
5.3.4.4
Adequate access to flame arresters shall be provided.
5.3.4.5
Particular care shall be taken to ensure the safe location of vents on

platforms handling sour hydrocarbons.
5.3.5
Oily Water Separator
5.3.5.1
The oily water separator shall remove all suspended oil particles of 50
microns and greater.
Note that the suspended oil content at the inlet to the separator is typically 0-2,000
mg/litre (normal), and 100,000 mg/litre (maximum).
5.3.5.2
Trash baskets shall be fitted at the inlet to the separator system.

Operational Procedures shall be developed to ensure routine inspection
and cleaning of the trash baskets.
5.3.5.3
The inlet bay of plate-type separators shall be arranged to provide for

preliminary oil separation, for deposition of solids in the form of
sludge, and to contain anticipated oil spills.
Deposition may be in the form of sludge caused by the presence of oil emulsifiers,
which may cause blockage of the plates.
In some instances the oil-spill quantity could be large, e.g. diesel oil tank overflow.
If such a spillage cannot be routed to process or retained within a bund system, it
may be appropriate to supplement the separator with an upstream open drains
collection tank which should be mounted in the module floor, with all pumps and
instruments top mounted.
5.3.5.4
Provision of filter screens between the separator inlet bay and the tilted
plate section should be considered.
5.3.5.5
The separator shall incorporate a recovered oil compartment.
5.3.5.6
The separator shall be fitted with flushing facilities to facilitate the

removal of sludge accumulations.
5.3.5.7
The separator shall have a permanent vent connection to the

atmospheric vent header and the separator shall be continuously
purged with nitrogen or fuel gas.
5.3.5.8
The separator shall be provided with a liquid-sealed overflow to the

caisson to prevent gas backflow.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 17
5.3.5.9
The separated oil pumps and separator instrumentation may be top

mounted to allow the separator to be located at low level, i.e. within or
below platform lowest deck level.
5.3.6
Separated Oil Pumps
5.3.6.1
The pumps shall take suction from the separated oil compartment in
the oily water separator and discharge under level-switch control,
typically to the main crude oil line, downstream of an LP production
separator. Two sets of level switches shall be fitted to the separated oil
compartment for this purpose.
Typically, two pumps should be installed, each capable of pumping 10% of the
maximum normal liquid flow into the oily water separator. During normal
operation, only one pump should be running, and shall be controlled using the lower
set of level switches. However, if the drainage into the separated oil compartment
exceeds the pump discharge rate, causing the level to rise, then the second pump
shall be started automatically under control of the higher set of level switches. A
selector switch shall be provided for selection of the leading pump.
5.3.6.2
Where practicable, the pumps should be located externally to the

separator to facilitate maintenance and to minimise gas release or air
ingress to the separator.
5.3.7
Drainage Caisson
5.3.7.1
The drainage caisson shall receive oily drainage directly or,

alternatively, de-oiled water from an oily water separator (see Figure
4a and Figure 4b ).
5.3.7.2
The water shall enter the caisson via downcomers which shall extend
to be permanently submerged to provide a liquid seal and to minimise
turbulence on entry. Consideration shall be given to the need for wave
damping.
5.3.7.3
All incomers from non-hazardous areas shall discharge permanently

below the caisson liquid level.
5.3.7.4
Minor, intermittent flows from hazardous areas may discharge above

the caisson water level, provided the design prevents back-flow of gas.
Note that the drainage caisson also receives manually controlled discharge of water
from the closed drain drum.
5.3.7.5
The drainage caisson shall extend well below LAT, and shall be
located in accordance with 2.7.
The bottom of the caisson is typically at -50 m LAT in the Northern North Sea.
5.3.7.6
The holding volume of the drainage caisson should be proportioned to

the largest vessel inventory.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 18
A caisson having the typical internal diameter of 1.0 metre will provide only limited
damping of any vertical wave motion. Therefore, the use of a low level orifice or
slotted plate for damping should be considered if the platform is in an open-sea
location.
Consideration should be given to providing integral plates or using a proprietary
caisson design to improve oil/water separation. Access for cleaning and
maintenance needs to be taken into account in such applications.
5.3.7.7
The caisson design should include a 150 mm mesh or bars across the
exit, to prevent entry of divers.
5.3.7.8
The caisson gas space shall be continuously purged with nitrogen or

fuel gas.
5.3.7.9
The caisson shall be provided with a vent connection to the

atmospheric vent header.
5.3.7.10
The caisson should be designed to accommodate a drainage pump.
5.3.8
Drainage Caisson Pump
5.3.8.1
Design temperature of the pumped fluid shall be that of the ambient

seawater and the setting height of the pump suction shall reflect tidal
variations.
5.3.8.2
The pump and driver shall be designed for fully submerged operation.
5.3.8.3
Pump operation shall be manually initiated from a local control station.
5.3.8.4
Facilities shall be provided to enable the pump to be removed for

maintenance.
5.3.8.5
Discharge pipework associated with the pump shall be fitted with a

non-return valve to prevent back-flow to the caisson.
5.3.8.6
A manual sample point shall be provided on the pump discharge

pipework. See also 5.3.9
5.3.8.7
Where the pump is used in conjunction with an oil removal package

(see Figure 4a ) the capacity of the pump should be sufficient to permit
assessment of water quality through the depth of the drainage caisson.
Assuming, for example, the caisson diameter of 1.0 metre and extending 50 metre
below LAT, a pump capacity of 20 m3/h would displace the volume of the caisson in
about 2 hours, and be well within the capacity of the smallest oil removal package
envisaged.
5.3.8.8
Where the pump is used in conjunction with an oily water separator

(see Figure 4b) the following shall apply:-
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 19
(a)
The pump suction should be located so as to minimise the

induction of seawater, i.e. the pump will primarily perform the
function of removing floating oil.
(b)
The pumping capacity should typically be 5% of the normal

maximum liquid flow from the oily water separator.
Assuming the caisson dimensions in 5.3.8.7 above, the pump capacity
would be approximately 5 m3/h.
(c)
5.3.9
The water content of the oil recovered by the pump should be

taken as 0 to 10% (normal), and 100% (peak).
Treated Water Monitoring Equipment

To permit monitoring of the system, a manual sampling point shall be
provided. Note that automatic sampling might be demanded in future.
Other sampling points should be available in the drainage and
separator systems, to the extent necessary to permit checks in
equipment performance.
6.
OILY WATER CLOSED DRAINAGE

6.1
General
6.1.1
A closed system (i.e. vented to flare, not to atmosphere) shall be

provided for the drainage of potentially gaseous oil, or water which is
normally heavily contaminated with oil from the following sources:(a)
Production/utility equipment drain-down and sample points.
(b)
Drain-down points on certain hydrocarbon liquid lines to

facilitate maintenance, e.g. wellhead ligaments, production
manifolds, etc.
Drain down points include:(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(c)
Production separators.
Scrubbers.
Crude oil pumps.
Level gauges.
Condensate pumps.
Test separators.
Knock-out drums.
Compressor suction and blow-down drums.
Fuel oil tanks (including overflows).
Drainage caisson pump discharge, when an oily water separator

is used for primary separation (see 5.2.2).
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 20
6.1.2
Connection of the sources referred to in 6.1.1 (a) and 6.1.1 (b) to the
oily water closed drainage system should be restricted to those where
drain-down cannot be safely achieved by the following methods:(a)
Using existing process routes.
(b)
Connection of drain-down points via hoses to other

equipment/hydrocarbon liquid lines capable of receipt of the
drain-down liquid.
Temporary connections shall not remain in place after draining operations
are completed. Hoses shall be kept specifically for the duty, be compatible
with the fluids handled, be stored properly and be inspected and tested
regularly.
(c)
Connection of drain-down points, via hoses, to a portable slops

drum (i.e. for small volumes of drain-down liquids). This
system mainly applies to smaller platforms to avoid provision
of oily water closed drains.
The use of portable pumps (hand operated, or powered) may be considered for the
transfer of liquids by the methods of drain-down given in (a), (b) and (c).
6.1.3
The hazards associated with release of H2S from sour hydrocarbon

liquids shall be given specific consideration.
6.1.4
The contents of the oily water closed drains system should be routed to
fall by gravity, via oily water closed drain headers, to the closed drain
drum (but see also 2.1.2).
Any layout which results in drain lines running 'uphill' in places, and thus requiring
gas pressure to assist drain-down, should be avoided. This may be achieved by
judicious location of the equipment, the closed drain drum and the interconnecting
lines (see 3.1 and 3.2).
6.1.5
Closed drain lines for cold/dry service from NGL and condensate
vessels shall be kept separate from any wet oil drainage lines, to avoid
blockage by hydrate and ice. A pre-heater shall be provided for the
closed drain drum for such service. Trace heating of the lines may also
be required, with instrumentation to indicate blockages.
Consideration should be given to increasing the drain diameter towards the drum to
allow for gas breakout as pressure is reduced.
6.1.6
Where large quantities of cold liquids are to be drained, consideration

should be given to provision of a separate closed drain drum.
Provision for discharge of large quantities should be via process routes. If discharge
to the closed drain system is unavoidable, the outlet connections to downstream
drainage equipment (including possible separate direct routing to the caisson) and
to the flare needs careful study. In particular, detailed procedures should be
developed to ensure safe operation.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 21
6.1.7
Valved flushing points shall be provided on closed drain lines on

cold/dry service to permit methanol flushing when hydrate formations
require clearing.
Particular care must be taken when methanol is being used, especially from
temporary facilities as opposed to permanently installed injection points, because of
sudden release of pressure or when the system is sour.
6.1.8
The water content of the liquid flow from the closed drain system into
the closed drain drum should be taken as 0-10% (normal), and 100%
(peak).
6.1.9
Depending on the anticipated duty for the closed drain drum a simple
vessel only may be sufficient, with a pump sending all contents to an
LP production separator. It may be necessary to achieve separation
within the drum.
See Commentary notes on flow reversal in 5.2.1 and 5.2.2 above.
The requirement to achieve separation within the closed drain drum depends, for
example, upon the amount of seawater returned to the drum from the drainage
caisson (see 5.2 of the essential requirements of this document), and the need to
avoid commingling seawater with any produced water in the crude oil system.
If separation in the drum is necessary it should be partitioned as follows:(a)
(b)
(c)
A centre (receiving) section.

A recovered oil section.
A de-oiled water section.
6.1.10
For larger platforms, with a higher number of potential drain sources, a

vessel suitable for primary oil separation should be provided.
6.1.11
Oil recovered from this primary oil separation vessel shall be pumped
to the LP production separator and its water content should be taken as
0-1% (normal), and 10% (peak). In normal operation, the contents of
the de-oiled water section shall be discharged, under manual control, to
the drainage caisson (see 2.2 (b)).
See Commentary notes on flow reversal in 5.2.1 and 5.2.2 above.
6.1.12
Any flashed vapour from natural gas liquids or dissolved gases

associated with drainage shall be free-vented directly to the LP flare
header.
6.1.13
Those equipment drains which require observation during operation

shall be discharged to the open drains via an open tundish rather than
by connection to the closed drain system. Sour water drains shall not
be included in this category. Procedures and equipment shall be
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 22
arranged so as to minimise release of flammable and/or toxic vapours

in such applications.
6.2
6.2.1
General
6.2.1.1
The design of the drainage system shall accommodate the requirement,

if necessary, to route small quantities of fluid from a vessel directly to
the closed drainage system without first depressurising.
In some cases, where blowdown would lead to low temperatures, it may be
appropriate to route the drains direct to the HP flare drum, which is often designed
for low temperatures. The flare drum will then 'catch' any liquids (e.g. blowdown
from the various compressor suction drums).
Normally, hydrocarbon systems will be depressurised to flare prior to discharge into
the drainage system.
6.2.1.2
Backflow from6.2.3 Closed Drain Drum. (See also 2.1.2).
6.2.3.1
Sizing of the closed drain drum should be based on the following

parameters:(a)
The largest item of equipment likely to be drained to the closed

drain drum.
(b)
The contents of the inlet line with largest diameter.
(c)
Likely overflows from storage tanks.
For very large vessels, there should be provision to reduce the inventory to a
minimum using normal process outlets. The size of the drain drum can then be based
on the lowest practical inventory of the vessel and piping. Consider supply
operations and the likely overflow from storage tanks.
6.2.3.2
The requirement for electric heaters to maintain the temperature of the

liquid in the drum shall be considered. Any such heaters shall operate
under temperature switch control. An extra-high-temperature switch
shall be provided to switch off the heaters in the event of overheating.
6.2.3.3
If the closed drain drum requires desanding facilities, the sparge shall
be arranged so that the heating elements and bottom outlet nozzles as
well as the vessel base are cleaned effectively.
6.2.3.4
An extra-high-liquid-level switch shall be provided in the centre

section of the drum. Operation of this switch shall open an emergency
dump valve discharging directly to the drainage caisson.
Operation of the extra-high-liquid-level switch shall cause an emergency dump valve
to open, allowing the drum contents to discharge directly to the drainage caisson. It
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 23
should be noted that the high-level control should be designed to avoid the risk of
liquid carry-over to the flare system.
6.2.3.5
In the case of closed drain vessels with a de-oiled water section, an

extra-low level switch shall be provided on the de-oiled water section
of the drum. Operation of this switch shall cause a valve on the deoiled water outlet line to close.
Note that for maintenance requiring complete emptying, the drum can be totally
drained through a manhole by use of a portable pump.
6.2.3.6
The recovered oil pumps and closed drain drum instrumentation may
be top mounted to allow the drum to be located at a low level, i.e.
within or below platform lowest deck level.
6.2.4
Recovered Oil Pumps
6.2.4.1
Typically, two recovered oil pumps should be provided, each sized for
50% of the total design feed flow rate to the closed drain drum and
suitable for the 'oil' properties.
Frequently the oil will be light condensate, i.e. with a high vapour pressure.
6.2.4.2
The pumps shall discharge, under level-switch control, typically to the

main crude oil line upstream of an LP production separator.
The level switches should be arranged such that the pump-start frequency will not be
greater than six times per hour. For partitioned drums, the pumps shall take suction
from the recovered oil section.
6.2.4.3
7.
Each recovered oil pump shall be fitted with high and low pressure
switches on the discharge, in accordance with API RP 14C. Operation
of these switches shall initiate shutdown of the pumps.
DRILLING AREAS DRAINAGE

7.1
This Section applies only to the use of water-based drilling muds.

Note that, as stated in 1.1.3, the use of oil-based muds is outside the scope of this
Recommended Practice.
These muds require specific provisions, i.e. total
containment, or exemptions agreed with the regulating authority.
7.2
The drainage philosophy for the wellhead and drilling areas should be
generally as shown on Figure 6. The drainage systems in this area
should be as follows:(a)
Segregated oil-free water drains for surface drainage from the

mud handling area and drilling floor. These drains should
discharge to sea via the shale chute.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 24
(b)
Oil-free water deck drains for surface drainage from the

piperack area (see Section 4).
(c)
Closed drains for drain-down of lubricators, flowlines and

manifolds (see Section 6).
(d)
Segregated oil-free water drains for surface drainage from the

cement handling area. This drain should discharge direct to
sea.
As it is susceptible to blockage, this segregated drain from the cement
handling area shall be provided with a facility for permanent flushing.
Also, the lines shall be made from flanged sections of appropriate lengths
for easy dismantling.
7.3
An open oily water drainage system should not be necessary in this

area. Disposal of lubricants, oil, sample point liquids, etc., can be
more economically achieved by drumming.
7.4
The surface drainage of the well deck and the BOP/impact deck should
be allowed to discharge direct to sea through the gaps between the
BOP/impact deck plates and the open grating of the welldeck.
Note that the quantities of surface drainage flows on these decks will generally be
limited by the collection system for deck drainage on the drilling floor above. This is
because the drilling derrick/substructure shields these decks.
8.
7.5
Gulleys should be provided under the BOP deck, to avoid leakage

through gaps in the BOP/impact deck causing corrosion to equipment
located beneath the BOP, e.g. corrosion under heat insulation on
flowlines. Alternatively, the facilities under the BOP should be
suitable for exposure to surface drainage from the deck above, or
consideration may be given to the use of watertight hatches.
7.6
Rain-water collected by the drilling derrick/substructure should be

directed overboard.
FIREWATER OVERFLOW DRAINAGE

8.1
General
8.1.1
Firewater overflow drainage shall be provided to fulfil four aims:(i)
to minimise the surface area of a pool fire and thereby reduce

the fire size,
(ii)
during a fire, to dispose of unwanted oil to the sea or to a

caisson as quickly and safely as possible,
(iii)
to prevent the spread of a fire,
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 25
(iv)
to minimise the size of the oily water drainage system.
Note that (i), (ii) and (iii) will only apply where a credible pool fire hazard exists.
This excludes gas processing, high pressure condensate processing, high flash-point
fuels remote from other hazards, and process sections containing less than 1 tonne
of low flash-point liquids after stabilisation or polar solvents.
These aims may be achieved by either:(a)
Routing of firewater run-off over the deck plates away from

other plant areas, and discharge overboard. For environmental
protection, local catchment trays may be necessary such as
under pig trap doors.
This is particularly important when the lower decks are of the open type.
This method should be adopted on bottom decks and wellbays wherever
possible, as the large flows associated with the use of firewater will result in
the need for large diameter lines in a piped firewater overflow drainage
collection system. If applied to other decks, overflow points at the edge of
the platform shall be identified and the consequences of the carry-over of
burning oil to lower decks assessed. This should consider the effect of wind,
the location of escape routes and lifeboats as well as the proximity of
hydrocarbon equipment and structures which could be affected by fire.
(b)
Collection of firewater run-off in gulleys associated with the

oily water open drainage system. The gulleys shall incorporate
two offtakes; one at a low level leading to the oily water open
drainage system, the other at a higher level leading to the
firewater overflow drainage system. Where convenient, the
individual firewater overflow drains should be piped directly
overboard. Only if necessary should the firewater overflow
drainage be collected in headers, the outlets of which shall
discharge overboard. They should terminate at least 3.0 metre
below the lowest equipment and, wherever practicable, not
above access ways.
(c)
Sub-dividing large, open process areas using gulleys, gratings

or 'sleeping policemen'.
Segregation according to process section is desirable. e.g Separator area
and MOL pump area. Catchment areas should be as small as reasonably
practical and should not exceed 600m2 where there are large liquid
inventories.
These measures, plus solid floor edging at louvers shall be used to ensure that there
is no overflow into other areas.
8.1.2
The sizing of the firewater overflow drainage system shall take no

credit for the capacity of the oily water open drainage system.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 26
The capacity of the system will be reduced if there are too many bends, dirt traps,
etc. It may be improved by the inclusion of vortex breakers.
8.1.3
The hydraulic design of the firewater drainage system shall allow for
the maximum output (not just the design output) of the firewater
system plus that of any portable equipment that may also be used.
Where practicable, the design should be 110% of the maximum output so as to allow
for cross flow from other areas and pooling. An allowance for supercharging may
also be made (see 8.2.1).
8.2
8.2.1
Gulleys
Firewater overflow drainage gulleys should be provided as shown in
Figure 7 (see also 3.3.2.3). Where practicable, the design should
ensure discharge of oil to the sea before the firewater.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 27
8.2.2
Divisions
Upstands at louvered walls and 'sleeping policemen' should be 25 mm
higher than that required for drainage control. Further allowance
should be made for deck irregularities. When deciding on the position
of a division, personnel movements and trip hazards shall be
considered.
8.2.3
Firewater Drainage Piping
8.2.3.1
Drainage piping should fall towards the discharge point (see 3.1 and
3.2).
8.2.3.2
Firewater drainage from safe areas shall be kept physically separate

from that from hazardous areas.
8.2.3.3
Loop seals should be provided on firewater overflow drains from

gulleys in hazardous areas and pressurised modules.
8.2.3.4
Subject to pressurisation requirements loop seals are not required

below the lowest deck elevation. However, they may help in snuffing
fires in the outflow.
8.2.3.5
Any form of impediment to the free flow of surface water to the drains
should be avoided.
8.2.3.6
The possibility of the firewater drain freezing because of spillage of

low temperature material during a fire should be considered.
8.2.4
Bunded Areas
Firewater shall be prevented from overflowing from bunded areas,
such as around tanks containing flammable or hazardous materials,
during deluge. The use of overflow outlets leading to the firewater
drainage system or provision of low-level manual drains to the oily
drains system should be considered.
8.2.5
Helidecks
Helidecks shall be provided with a gulley drain system which shall
drain to a safe location (see 8.1.1 and 8.2.1).
9.
CHEMICAL DRAINAGE
9.1
General
9.1.1
The preferred method of disposal of spilled chemicals is that they

should be drummed for disposal ashore. Where this is not feasible,
and for most low toxicity chemicals, they may be diluted into the
seawater discharge line, and discharged through the seawater outfall
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 28
caisson, in accordance with the design and equipment guidelines

below.
9.1.2
Any hazardous chemical discharge into laboratory drains, shall be

rendered non-hazardous, e.g. by manually flushing the drain
immediately with a suitable neutralising solution.
9.1.3
At the commencement of design work, BP will provide a list of likely

chemical stock items, their properties and approximate quantities
involved.
This listing will also indicate:-
9.1.4
(a)
Whether bulk storage is intended.
(b)
The toxicity ratings and corrosivity of the various items.
(c)
General hazard information, e.g. some chemicals are innocuous on their

own but may react dangerously with others or with water. Chemical
reactions may be highly exothermic or may release toxic of corrosive byproducts.
All chemical storage and handling areas and their sub-divisions, shall
be provided with kerbs and valved connections to chemical drains, the
valves normally being closed.
The layout shall be such that any significant sized spill can be collected and
drummed for disposal ashore. Valves to drain may be opened to dispose of
uncontaminated rain-water. If minor contamination is present adequate water
flushing shall be provided, and the area cleared via the chemical drain. Specific
attention shall be given to ensure that the design of the containment is appropriate to
the materials handled, and also to avoid risk to personnel, especially those working
on lower platform levels.
9.1.5
Chemical drains should connect to seawater headers at points where

the headers are free-draining to the seawater outfall caisson.
Connection of these drains to to free-draining headers will prevent the accumulation
of chemicals should there be an interruption of seawater flow due to a platform
shutdown.
9.1.6
A hydraulic check shall be made on chemical drain lines and seawater

headers to ensure that there is adequate flow.
9.1.7
Removable injection quills should be provided wherever chemical

drains are connected into the seawater headers.
A typical injection quill is shown on Figure 8. The quill design normally should
incorporate electrical insulation between the dissimilar metals of the chemical drain
piping and seawater header.
9.1.8
Reactions between chemicals shall be considered. Any necessary

segregation shall be employed.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 29
10.
9.2
9.2.1
Chemical Drainage Piping
9.2.1.1
Drainage piping should fall towards the discharge points. (see 3.1 and
3.2).
SANITARY DRAINAGE
10.1
General
10.1.1
A single sanitary drainage system shall be provided for domestic

effluent, including drains from toilets, galley, internal floors, laundry,
etc., and shall be designed in accordance with BS 5572. A typical
schematic diagram for a sanitary drainage system is given in Figure 9.
10.1.2
BP may specify special requirements for drainage from medical suites.
10.1.3
Reference shall be made to BP Group RP 4-1 for guidance in the

calculation of maximum discharge rates into the drainage system.
10.1.4
A macerator is sufficient for the sanitary drainage system prior to

drainage disposal in a gravity outfall line, unless statutory requirements
specify additional facilities, such as a bio-treatment unit. A bypass for
cleaning purposes shall be provided.
10.2
10.2.1
Sanitary Drainage Collection Piping
10.2.1.1
Drainage piping should fall towards the discharge point. The net
slopes and line sizes shall be selected in accordance with BS 8301.
10.2.1.2
UPVC or other suitable pipe is acceptable where conditions permit.

There are situations where plastic pipework is not suitable, for example in external
situations or where there is a risk of damage from local operations or
equipment/material movements or in applications where high temperatures may be
experienced.
10.2.2
Seals
In cases where drains emanate from pressurised areas, e.g.
accommodation modules, seals should be provided to minimise
leakage of air.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 30
10.2.3
Sewage Outfall Line

The sewage outfall line shall be extended to be submerged
continuously thereby preventing blow back due to wave action. Its
location shall be in accordance with 2.7.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 31
CRUDE OIL
)
(
GAS
LP
PRODUCTION
SEPARATOR
PRODUCED WATER
FLASH DRUM
PRODUCED WATER
TREATMENT PACKAGE
CRUDE OIL
)
(
PRODUCED WATER
FROM HP SEPARATOR
SCRUBBERS ETC.
FIGURE 1A
RP 44-11

PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 32
SIMPLIFIED OVERALL DRAINAGE SYSTEM (DRAINAGE CAISSON

SEPARATION PLUS OIL REMOVAL PACKAGE)
TO FLARE
PRODUCED WATER
TREATMENT PACKAGE
OIL PUMP
PRODUCED WATER
)
(
SANITARY
DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
OIL-FREE
WATER
DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
DRILLING AREAS
DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
(SECTION 10)
(SECTION 4)
(SECTION 7)
)
(
OILY WATER
OPEN
DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
(SECTION 5)
)
(
OILY WATER
CLOSED
DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
(SECTION 6)
CHEMICAL
DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
(SECTION 9)
FIREWATER
OVERFLOW
FIREWATER
OVERFLOW
DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
SEWAGE
MACERATOR
(SECTION 8)
PRODUCED
WATER
OIL REMOVAL
PACKAGE
(OIL WATER
FILTER
COALESCER)
CLOSED
DRAIN
DRUM
)
(
RECOVERED OIL
PUMP
OVERBOARD
OVERBOARD
SHALE
SHUTE
SEWAGE
OUTFALL
LINE
TREATED
WATER
SEA LEVEL
OVERBOARD
SEAWATER
OUTFALL
CAISSON
INPUTS TO BE
BELOW LIQUID
LEVEL AT
ALL TIMES
DRAINAGE
CAISSON
PUMP
DRAINAGE CAISSON
RP 44-11

PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 33
FIGURE 1B
SIMPLIFIED OVERALL DRAINAGE SYSTEM
(PRIMARY OIL SEPARATION UPSTREAM OF DRAINAGE CAISSON)
CRUDE OIL
TO FLARE
)
(
GAS
LP
PRODUCTION
SEPARATOR
PRODUCED WATER
FLASH DRUM
CRUDE OIL
FROM HP SEPARATOR
SCRUBBERS ETC.
SANITARY
DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
OIL-FREE
WATER
DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
(SECTION 10)
(SECTION 4)
PRODUCED WATER
TREATMENT PACKAGE
)
(
PRODUCED WATER
PRODUCED WATER
SEPARATED OIL
TREATMENT PACKAGE
OIL PUMP
PRODUCED WATER
)
(
DRILLING AREAS
)
DRAINAGE
(
SYSTEM
(SECTION 7)
OILY WATER
OPEN
DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
(SECTION 5)
)
(
OILY WATER
CLOSED
DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
(SECTION 6)
CHEMICAL
DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
(SECTION 9)
FIREWATER
OVERFLOW
FIREWATER
OVERFLOW
DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
SEWAGE
MACERATOR
(SECTION 8)
SEPARATED OIL
PUMP
PRODUCED
WATER
CLOSED
DRAIN
DRUM
OILY WATER
SEPARATOR
)
(
SEAWATER
RECOVERED OIL
PUMP
OVERBOARD
TREATED
WATER
OVERBOARD
SHALE
SHUTE
SEWAGE
OUTFALL
LINE
SEAWATER
OUTFALL
CAISSON
INPUTS TO BE
BELOW LIQUID
LEVEL AT
ALL TIMES
DRAINAGE
CAISSON
PUMP
DRAINAGE CAISSON
SIMPLIFIED OVERALL DRAINAGE SYSTEM

SEA LEVEL
OVERBOARD
FIGURE 2
TYPICAL TOPSIDES DRAINAGE ARRANGEMENT
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 35
FIGURE 3
OIL-FREE WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM SCHEMATIC
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 36
VENT
OILY WATER DRAINS

( HAZARDOUS AREAS )
VENT
VENT
VENT
GULLEY
GULLEY
TUNDISH
TO CRUDE OIL
OUTLET OF LP
PRODUCTION
FROM OTHER SEPARATOR
DECK LEVELS
ATMOSPHERIC
VENT RELIEF
SYSTEM
TYPICAL CONNECTION
(OTHER HAZARDOUS
AREAS)
TUNDISH
1:100 MIN
NET FALL
TYPICAL CONNECTION
(OTHER NON-HAZARDOUS AREAS)
NET FALL
1:100 MIN
NET FALL
RODDING
POINT
1:100 MIN
NET FALL
1:100 MIN
DRAIN TANK
OR CAISSON
LEGEND
VALVE NORMALLY
OPEN
VALVE NORMALLY
CLOSED
OIL REMOVAL
PACKAGE
(OIL WATER
FILTER COALESCER)
SEAL LEVEL
TEST COCKS
FIGURE 4A
OILY WATER OPEN DRAINAGE SYSTEM SCHEMATIC
RP 44-11

PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 36
(DRAINAGE CAISSON SEPARATION PLUS OIL REMOVAL PACKAGE)
OILY WATER DRAINS

( NON-HAZARDOUS AREAS )
RELIEF VALVE
REVERSIBLE
SPADE
REMOVABLE
STRAINER
SAMPLING
SYSTEM
FLAME
ARRESTER
REMOVABLE
GRATING
NITROGEN PURGE
DECK PLATE
DRAINAGE
CAISSON
PUMP
SEA LEVEL
300mm
300mm
DRAINAGE
CAISSON
FIREWATER
OVERFLOW DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
OILY WATER
OPEN DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
TYPICAL OPEN DRAIN GULLEY
WITH FIREWATER OVERFLOW
INPUTS TO BE BELOW LIQUID

LEVEL AT ALL TIMES
VENT
OILY WATER DRAINS

( HAZARDOUS AREAS )
VENT
VENT
GULLEY
TO CRUDE OIL
VENT
TUNDISH
FROM OTHER
OUTLET OF LP
DECK LEVELS
PRODUCTION
SEPARATOR
TYPICAL CONNECTION
ATMOSPHERIC
TO CLOSED
DRAIN DRUM
VENT RELIEF
SYSTEM
(OTHER HAZARDOUS AREAS)

GULLEY TUNDISH
NET FALL
TYPICAL CONNECTION
1:100 MIN
(OTHER NON-HAZARDOUS AREAS)
NET FALL
1:100 MIN
NET FALL
1:100 MIN
RODDING
POINT
NET FALL
1:100 MIN
DRAIN TANK
OR CAISSON
FIGURE 4B
OILY WATER OPEN DRAINAGE SYSTEM SCHEMATIC
RP 44-11

PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 37
OILY WATER DRAINS

( NON-HAZARDOUS AREAS )
BYPASS
BYPASS
SEAL LEVEL
TEST COCKS
LEGEND
VALVE NORMALLY
OPEN
REMOVABLE
VALVE NORMALLY
FALL
STRAINER
CLOSED
REMOVABLE
GRATING
RELIEF VALVE
FALL
REVERSIBLE
DECK PLATE
SPADE
NITROGEN
FLAME
PURGE
ARRESTER
NITROGEN PURGE
300mm
300mm
SEPARATED
OIL PUMP
OILY WATER
SEPARATOR
DRAINAGE
CAISSON
PUMP
OILY WATER
OPEN DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
SEA LEVEL
FIREWATER
OVERFLOW
DRAINAGE
SYSTEM

INPUTS TO BE BELOW LIQUID

DRAINAGE
CAISSON
LEVEL AT ALL TIMES
LEGEND
VALVE NORMALLY
OPEN
VALVE NORMALLY
CLOSED
VESSEL AND
TANK DRAINS
REVERSIBLE
SPADE
LINE DRAINS
(MANIFOLDS, HEADERS, ETC.)
TYPICAL
CONNECTION
VENT TO
LP FLARE
TYPICAL AREA
CONNECTION
RODDING
POINT
FIGURE 5
RP 44-11

PLATFORM DRAINAGE
OILY WATER CLOSED DRAINAGE SYSTEM SCHEMATIC
RELIEF VALVE
ATMOSPHERIC
VENT HEADER
NET
FALL
FLUSHING
POINT
RELIEF
FLARE
MANAGER
1:100
MIN
RODDING
POINT
FROM DRAINAGE CAISSON PUMP (SEE FIGURE 4b)
DRAINAGE FROM COLD, DRY VESSELS ETC.

(NGL, GAS CONDENSATE ETC.)
CARRIED IN SEPARATE COLLECTION
HEADER.
NET
FALL
1:100
MIN
( POSSIBLE TRACE HEATING)

1:100
MIN
INSTRUMENT PIPING SPECIFICATION

PROCESS PIPING
SPECIFICATION
PAGE 38
TYPICAL MANIFOLDING OF
INSTRUMENT
DRAINS TO OILY WATER
CLOSED DRAINAGE SYSTEM
OPTIONAL ENTRY TO VESSEL FROM

LOWER SOURCES OF OILY WATER
OPTIONAL
SPARGE
(TREATED
WATER)
EMERGENCY (HIGH-LEVEL)
AUTOMATIC DUMP VALVE
NET
FALL
CLOSED DRAIN
DRUM
OPTIONAL
ELECTRIC
HEATER
TO CRUDE OIL INLET
OF LP PRODUCTION
SEPARATOR
TO
DRAINAGE
CAISSON
MANUAL DRAIN
VALVE
RECOVERED OIL
PUMP
NOTES :
DRILLING FLOOR
1. NORMALLY, MINIMUM COST SOLUTION SHALL BE USED.
FIGURE 6
DRILLING AREAS DRAINAGE SYSTEM SCHEMATIC
RP 44-11

PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PIPERACK AREA DECK
FIREWATER
OVERFLOW
TO SEA
IMPACT DECK
)
(
)
(
CEMENT AREA DECK

WATER FLUSH
HOSE
CONNECTION
)
(
MUD MODULE DECK

)
(
WELL
COMPLETION
FLOOR
)
(
)
(
)
(
DRAINAGE THROUGH DECK

PLATES TO FLOOR BELOW
(SEE NOTE 1)
FLANGED SECTIONS
REQUIRED
HOSE CONNECTION
DRAINAGE OVERBOARD
THROUGH OPEN MESH
FLOOR
CLOSED OILY
WATER DRAIN
SHALE CHUTE
OVERBOARD
PAGE 39
FIREWATER OVERFLOW DRAINAGE SYSTEM

(HAZARDOUS AREAS)
FIREWATER OVERFLOW DRAINAGE SYSTEM

(NON-HAZARDOUS AREAS)
DECK PLATE
DECK PLATE
TYPICAL
CONNECTION
RODDING
POINT
TYPICAL CONNECTION
(PRESSURISED MODULE)
TYPICAL
CONNECTION
OPEN DRAIN
GULLEY
OPEN DRAIN
GULLEY
NET FALL
1:100 MIN
RODDING
POINT
NET FALL
NOTES:
REMOVABLE STRAINER
REMOVABLE GRATING
1. FIREWATER OVERFLOWS DO NOT REQUIRE
LOOP SEALS IN NON-HAZARDOUS AREAS,
UNLESS CONNECTED TO A HEADER.
DECK
PLATE
2. FIREWATER OVERFLOWS DO NOT REQUIRE

LOOP SEALS IN HAZARDOUS AREAS WHEN
DISCHARGE IS DIRECT TO SEA
(i.e. NO COLLECTION HEADER).
300mm
300mm
SEE NOTE 1
OILY WATER
OPEN DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
PAGE 40

FIREWATER
OVERFLOW DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
1:100 MIN
OVERBOARD
OVERBOARD
FIGURE 7
RP 44-11

PLATFORM DRAINAGE
FIREWATER OVERFLOW DRAINAGE SYSTEM SCHEMATIC
VENT
NOTES
LINE DRAINS
(MANIFOLDS, HEADERS, ETC.)
VESSEL AND
TANK DRAINS
1. INJECTION QUILL REQUIRED TO

DILUTE CHEMICALS IN
SEAWATER STREAM.
SEAWATER
3. ALL CHEMICAL DRAIN LINES

SHOULD FALL TOWARDS
INJECTION POINTS AT THE
SEAWATER HEADER, NET FALL
1:100 MIN.
1:100 MIN
NET FALL
FIGURE 8
CHEMICAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM SCHEMATIC
RP 44-11

PLATFORM DRAINAGE
2. HYDRAULIC CHECK SHOULD BE

MADE ON CHEMICAL DRAIN LINE
CONNECTIONS TO SEAWATER
HEADER TO ENSURE HEAD IN
SEAWATER HEADER ALLOWS
FLOW IN CHEMICAL DRAINS
TOWARDS HEADER.
TYPICAL
CONNECTION
CHEMICAL DRAIN
LEGEND
INSULATING GASKET
AND BOLTING
VALVE NORMALLY OPEN

VALVE NORMALLY CLOSED
CHEMICAL DRAIN
PIPING SPECIFICATION
SEAWATER
PIPING SPECIFICATION
SEAWATER
PAGE 41
TYPICAL DETAIL FOR CHEMICAL

INJECTION QUILL
(SEE NOTE 1)
REVERSIBLE SPADE
SEAWATER
OUTFALL CAISSON
PIPING UNION
)
(
NOTES :
)
(
)
(
)
(
TYPICAL CONNECTIONS
1.
EACH RODDING POINT SHALL BE

FITTED WITH A STANDARD HOSE
CONNECTION TO ENABLE LINES
TO BE FLUSHED WITH SEA WATER.
3. SEALS TO BE PROVIDED ON DRAINS

FROM PRESSURISED AREAS, SEE 10.2.2.
LEGEND
VALVE NORMALLY OPEN
FIGURE 9
SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEM SCHEMATIC
RP 44-11

PLATFORM DRAINAGE
2. FALLS SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH

10.2.1.1 OF THIS CODE OF PRACTICE
NET FALL
FLUSHING
CONNECTION/
RODDING POINT
(TYPICAL)
VALVE NORMALLY CLOSED

SEWAGE MACERATOR
NET FALL
SEWAGE OUTFALL
LINE
PAGE 42
APPENDIX A
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Definitions
Standardised definitions may be found in the BP Group RPSEs Introductory volume.
Abbreviations
ANSI
API
BOP
BS
DN
GRP
H2S
LAT
LP
HP
NGL
NPS
UPVC
American National Standards Institute

American Petroleum Institute
Blowout preventer
British Standard
Nominal diameter
Glass reinforced plastics
Hydrogen sulphide
Lowest astronomical tide
Low pressure
High pressure
Natural gas liquids
Nominal pipe size
Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 43
APPENDIX B
LIST OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

A reference invokes the latest published issue or amendment unless stated otherwise.
Referenced standards may be replaced by equivalent standards that are internationally or
otherwise recognised provided that it can be shown to the satisfaction of the purchaser's
professional engineer that they meet or exceed the requirements of the referenced standards.
BS 5572
Code of practice for sanitary pipework.
BS 6367
Code of practice for drainage of roofs and paved areas.
BS 8301
Code of practice for building drainage.
API RP 14C
Recommended practice for analysis, design, installation and

testing of basic surface safety systems for offshore production
platforms.
BP Group RP 4-1
Drainage systems
(was BP CP 5)
BP Group RP 6-1
Corrosion Monitoring
(was BP CP 50)
BP Group RP 44-2
Winterisation
(was BP CP 24)
BP Group GS 142-6
Piping Specifications
(was BP Std 170)
SI 611
The offshore installations (firefighting equipment) regulations 1978
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 44
APPENDIX C
SUPPLEMENTARY COMMENTARY
C1
Scope
This Commentary relates to clause 1.1.

At the commencement of conceptual design, BP will provide an indication of regulatory restrictions
which are expected to apply to discharge from the platform. BP shall then be consulted with regard to
the extent and type of waste water treatment facilities needed.
The design concepts described in this document satisfy the following consent conditions and exemption
levels currently applied by the UK Department of Energy to drainage systems on offshore North Sea
installations:
(a)Maximum oil content at point of discharge 100 mg/litre.
(b)The drainage system to contain, so far as practicable, all spills, discharges and leaks of oil and
mixtures containing oil.
In other locations, particularly those close to shore or otherwise environmentally sensitive, other more
stringent criteria may be applied. These may require additional treatment equipment. Reference shall
be made in all cases to the appropriate regulating authority to confirm requirements before design
work commences.
Different and usually more stringent consent conditions are also applied to discharges of produced
water. Produced water is treated in separate systems and controlled by convention. It is not
considered in this Recommended Practice.
It is a legal requirement in UK waters, and frequently elsewhere, that no oil is discharged to sea.
However, for practical reasons, exemptions are given to offshore production installations.
In the case of a major incident requiring the prolonged use of firewater, containment of all spills may
not be practicable. This is acknowledged in 5.1.2 of the essential requirements of this document by the
reference to the use of a firewater overflow system which effectively bypasses the oily water drainage
systems.
However, except in the case of a major spill, as distinct from normal contamination of decks and
equipment, it is likely that the initial flow of firewater to the oil/water separation facility will clear a
substantial proportion of contaminants from deck areas before firewater starts discharging to sea via
the firewater overflow drainage system (see Section 8 of the essential requirements of this document).
C2
General
This Commentary relates to clause 2.1.2.

Figure 1a includes a system in which primary separation of oil and water from the oily water open
drainage system takes place in the drainage caisson itself;. Figure 1b includes a system in which
primary separation takes place in an oily water separator upstream of the drainage caisson. Local
regulations will dictate which is the preferred system.
These diagrams are representative only, and serve to illustrate typical effluent systems for an
integrated platform supporting production, drilling and quarters facilities. In some cases, some
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 45
sections would not be needed. For example, oily water may not be present on the quarters platform of
a multi-platform complex.
C3
Gravity Flow Requirements
This Commentary relates to clause 3.2.3.

Figure 2 shows typical locations of an oily water separator and closed drain drum on a platform
topsides. These are placed centrally on the platform at levels which permit gravity flow from drainage
points, and gravity flow to the oily water separator. Discharges of water from the oily water separator
and the closed drain drum are routed separately to the drainage caisson.
These typical locations are appropriate for platforms on which the sources of effluent to the oily water
closed drainage system are generally elevated above the inlet nozzle of the closed drain drum, which is
located on the platform's lowest deck level.
RP 44-11
PLATFORM DRAINAGE
PAGE 46

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RP 44-11

GUIDE TO THE SELECTION,

Copyright The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.

Copyright The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.

BP GROUP RECOMMENDED PRACTICES AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEERING

Latest Amendment Date

GUIDE TO THE SELECTION,

SCOPE AND PURPOSE

Engineering Practices Group, BP International Limited, Research & Engineering Centre

5. OILY WATER OPEN DRAINAGE ........................................................................14

OILY WATER OPEN DRAINAGE SYSTEM SCHEMATIC...................................38

Introducation to BP Group Recommended Practices and Specifications for Engineering

Feedback and Further Information

This Recommended Practice presents guidelines for the selection,

This document deals with the analysis of the drainage requirements on

Oil-free water drainage system.

At an early stage of design, a drainage requirement study shall be

Consideration should be given to the integration of drainage into the

Commingling being detrimental to the final effluent

Risk of barium/strontium scale deposition.

Requirement to prevent recycling of detergent which may adversely affect

It is necessary to recognise the use of detergents as part of an ongoing good

Drainage systems shall be designed to prevent potential gas

Particular attention should be given to avoidance of flow from hazardous to

The design shall not permit pressures to build up inside

Hazardous and non-hazardous areas shall be separated as

Procedures shall be developed and regularly reviewed to avoid

Open Drainage Systems

For open (vented-to-atmosphere) drainage systems, the requirements of

Where appropriate, welded sleeve joints may be considered.

Closed Drainage Systems

The pressure rating of pipework and fittings on closed drainage

Drain sources of different pressure (class) rating shall not be

Sanitary Drainage Systems

Drainage channels recessed into the deck should be made as short as

Collection System Maintenance

All loop seals should be fully roddable or flanged to permit removal in

All drainage pipe runs shall be fully roddable.

Access to rodding points shall be considered in detail during design

Spade isolation shall be provided to enable facilities to be isolated

Isolation spade points shall be provided with a valve on each side of

The valves selected for isolation duty in drainage collection headers

GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

Topsides Structural Design Considerations

At an early stage, structural design shall take account of:(a)

Falls in Deck Areas

Penetrations through Structural Steel Members

Location of Closed Drain Drum

The weight loading caused by temporary accumulation of

Gravity Flow Requirements

Drainage systems should be designed to operate, wherever practicable,

Due account shall be taken of the likelihood of modules being out of

Open Drainage Systems

Minimum flows/sediment transport capability.

Degree of surcharge that can be tolerated.

Hydraulic capacity and line sizing.

Maintaining liquid levels in loop seals/seal pots.

Provision of adequate vents.

Rain-water plus process effluent.