Investigation Report
Electrical Fire in Dynamic Positioning Controls Disabled Thrusters
09-30-2009 10:55 G20082 GC/640 Fire - Incident > $25K - Required Muster
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Electrical safetyFireLoss of station keeping
- DrillingDynamic positioning
- Switchgear
- Emergency responseEnergy and process isolation
- Upstream oil and gas
Summary
An investigation documents an electrical fire in the Discoverer Clear Leader’s dynamic positioning controls. Cooling-system cracks allowed water into electrical cabinets, disabling six thrusters and causing the rig to drift 15½ ft off location. Personnel mustered, power and position were restored, and control logic was subsequently modified to respond better to power demands.
Classifications: Electrical safety; electrical hazards.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Loss of station keeping; drive-off; drift-off.
Classifications: Drilling; well drilling.
Classifications: Dynamic positioning; DP; DP operations.
Classifications: Switchgear; switch gear.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Energy and process isolation; isolation; energy isolation.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.