Risk analysis of the shale gas well testing installation

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to examine what kind of threats are associated with functioning of the shale gas well testing installation, and also how failures of the installation influence the safety of the residents living nearby. With the development of the shale gas industry in Poland, the discussion about the influence of hydraulic fracturing on the social and environmental safety has been raised. This discussion neglected the risks associated with the surface operations, which the author wanted to study. The risk assessment was performed in two parts. It began from qualitative analysis in a form of the Structure What-If Template on the overall facility level. Next, on the basis of the SWIFT results, the major hazardous elements of the installation were chosen to simulate their failure consequences in the PHAST software. These simulations were part of the Quantitative Risk Assessment, which revealed information about required setbacks and risk contours. In conclusion, the thesis argued about severity of the Polish setback rules, negligence of the risks associated with the surface well site functioning and lack of transparency from the operators. Even though the assessment had many shortcomings and was weakened by different types of uncertainty, it may be a good starting point for the discussion how the operators are guaranteeing the surface operations safety for the local residents.