Introduction
Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) occur when two or more activities are carried out at the same time within the same work area or operating facility. In the oil and gas industry, these activities often include construction, demolition, tie-ins, lifting, excavation, hot work, commissioning, maintenance, and routine plant operations.
While each activity may be safe when performed independently, carrying them out simultaneously can introduce additional risks due to their interaction. A SIMOPS Study provides a structured approach to identifying these interface hazards, evaluating their potential impact, and establishing appropriate controls before work begins. This helps ensure that projects are executed safely without compromising personnel, assets, production, or the environment.
Methodology
A SIMOPS Study is typically conducted through a structured workshop involving representatives from operations, HSE, engineering, construction, commissioning, maintenance, and project management.
The study generally follows these key steps:
- Identify the work areas and planned activities.
- Develop a Matrix of Permitted Operations (MOPO).
- Classify activities as permitted, restricted, not permitted, or not applicable.
- Assess restricted activities to identify hazards and required safeguards.
- Rank risks using the approved risk assessment matrix.
- Define controls such as exclusion zones, Permit to Work requirements, lifting plans, sequencing, and emergency arrangements.
- Record recommendations with assigned action owners.
- Integrate the findings into project execution planning and interface management.
Conclusion
A SIMOPS Study enables safe planning and coordination of overlapping activities within operating facilities. By identifying interaction risks early and implementing suitable controls, it supports safe project execution, effective Permit to Work management, improved coordination between stakeholders, and reduced operational risk throughout the project lifecycle.
1. SIMOPS Study for LLLP Steam Tie-In to New Deaerator
Introduction
iFluids Engineering & Consultancy WLL successfully completed a SIMOPS Study for a brownfield modification involving the connection of a Low Low Low Pressure (LLLP) steam line from an existing process unit to a new deaerator. The activity formed part of a larger facility upgrade that included demolition of ageing boiler systems, a dealkalization plant, and associated utility infrastructure.
As the work was to be performed within a live operating facility, the study focused on identifying potential conflicts between construction activities and ongoing plant operations. The objective was to ensure that all simultaneous activities could be executed safely without affecting personnel, production, or plant integrity.
Project Insights
- Conducted a detailed SIMOPS assessment for steam tie-in works within an operating brownfield facility.
- Evaluated interactions between construction, demolition, lifting, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and routine plant operations.
- Developed a Matrix of Permitted Operations (MOPO) to assess simultaneous work activities.
- Identified restricted work combinations requiring additional controls and operational coordination.
- Assessed activities such as lifting, scaffolding, hydrotesting, radiography, hot work, and demolition.
- Identified lifting operations near live fuel gas piping as the project’s most critical interface risk.
- Evaluated potential escalation scenarios, including dropped-object impacts that could result in hydrocarbon release, fire, explosion, and asset damage.
Outcomes
The SIMOPS Study established practical measures to safely manage overlapping work activities within the live facility. Recommendations included implementing dropped-object protection for lifting near operating pipe racks, establishing exclusion zones, strengthening Permit to Work and Job Safety Analysis requirements, and improving coordination between construction and operations teams. These measures reduced the potential for major accident scenarios while supporting the safe execution of the steam tie-in and associated demolition activities.
2. SIMOPS Study for PA/GA System Replacement in Tank Farm and NGL Areas
Introduction
iFluids Engineering & Consultancy WLL completed a comprehensive SIMOPS Study for the replacement of an existing Public Address and General Alarm (PA/GA) system across a tank farm and associated Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) processing areas.
The project involved replacing an ageing emergency communication system with a modern solution capable of providing improved alarm coverage and emergency communication across operating facilities. Since the work included demolition, cable installation, excavation, equipment replacement, system migration, and integration with existing Fire & Gas systems, a detailed SIMOPS assessment was carried out to manage the associated interface risks.
Project Insights
- Performed the SIMOPS assessment covering three active operating areas within the facility.
- Reviewed demolition of existing PA/GA equipment and installation of new speakers, beacon lights, cabinets, UPS systems, and communication infrastructure.
- Assessed simultaneous activities including excavation, cable laying, lifting, hot work, commissioning, and system migration.
- Developed separate MOPO matrices and risk registers for each work area.
- Evaluated risks associated with temporary impairment of safety-critical systems during migration.
- Assessed potential conflicts with other ongoing projects and operational activities.
- Recommended temporary emergency communication arrangements during PA/GA system changeover.
- Identified the need for OEM support, interface management, and availability of critical spare parts during migration.
Outcomes
The study established a clear framework for managing simultaneous activities throughout the project execution phase. Recommendations included preparation of detailed method statements, approved lifting plans, excavation controls, underground utility verification, interface management procedures, ALARP demonstration, and temporary emergency alarm arrangements during migration.
By identifying and managing these interface risks during the design stage, the SIMOPS Study helped ensure that emergency communication capability would be maintained while minimizing risks to personnel, plant operations, and project execution.
