Investigation Report
Hot Oil Heater Explosion During Restart
01-14-2006 03:00 G01316 MP/299 Fire - Explosion
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- ExplosionMechanical failureProcess safety
- Inspection and maintenance
- Valve
- Functional testingEnergy and process isolationOperating and work proceduresPreventive maintenance
- Upstream oil and gas
Summary
Investigation of a hot oil heater explosion during restart identifies restricted pilot fuel flow from condensate, shutdown valves failing to close fully and departure from start-up procedures. High winds may also have inhibited ignition. Recurrence measures included redundant shutdown valves, fuel filtration, quarterly maintenance and revised purge timing and damper sequencing.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Process safety; major accident hazards.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Energy and process isolation; isolation; energy isolation.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.