A hot oil unit is designed to circulate heated fluid into piping, tubing, casing, or tanks for a variety of reasons, including the removal of paraffin and tar-based oils.

Potential Hazard:

• Fire or explosion hazard from contact with flammable liquids, vapors, or gases.

Possible Solutions:

• Locate hot oil trucks and tanks a safe distance (100 feet is recommended) from the well and out of the fall line of the derrick, if it is on site. Where impractical, use additional safety measures.
• Position hot oil units upwind or crosswind from potential sources of flammable liquids, vapors, or gasses. Wind direction indicator should be present and visible to the operator.
• Shut down hot oiling operation immediately if a leak occurs.
• Make fire extinguishers readily accessible to the hot oil operator.
• Avoid parking over or placing lines containing flammable fluids under trucks or other vehicles.
• Install check valve in the pump line as close to the well head as possible.
• Inspect all components of the hot oil unit before each use.
• Shut the burner down if the wind dies.
• Shut the burner down and reposition equipment if the wind changes direction so as to create a hazard.

Potential Hazard:

• Being burned by hot oil or hot oil line or frostbite injuries from contact with propane or propane lines.

Possible Solution:

• Wear proper personnel protective equipment such as heavy padded, insulated, leather gloves

Potential Hazards: Expert Review

• Unexpected release of pressure

Possible Solutions:

• Do not connect heavy joints of pipe to the small nipples on the pumping T.
• Secure all hot oil and discharge lines.
• Connect the hot oil line directly to the flow line if pump pressure exceeds safe limits (500 psi).
• Remain clear of pressurized lines.