ABSTRACT The determination of the temperature distribution in offshore structures, due to fire, is very important for the evaluation of the passive protection required in the structure. This paper presents a methodology to study such event, which involves a flame model and an irradiation model, considering the type of fluid, either liquid or gas, and the wind influence on the flame. This study was part of a much larger project attempting to determine the effects of a fire accident on the behavior of an offshore structure. The analysis of the heat transfer process was performed including the effects of radiation and convection, using the finite element models. As an illustration, the paper presents the results obtained by the application of the methodology proposed to the PETROBRAS VIII production platform, which will be installed in the Brazilian Continental Shelf. The temperature distribution and critical areas which" need passive protection are determined from the results of numerical procedures specially developed for this study, which consider different values of flame size and the wind's influence on the flame's tilting angle.
INTRODUCTION The oil exploration and production using offshore platforms need advanced technology, and involves the utilization of special equipment and structures installed in small spaces, which may lead to a reduction in safety. The damages due to fire may affect the structural behavior, causing risks for lives, installations and the ecology. To avoid this situation the specifications and