Investigation Report
Synthetic-Based Mud Spilled Following Premature Pump Relief Valve Opening
03-18-2005 11:15 G07963 MC/807 Pollution
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Environmental protectionHydrocarbon releaseMechanical failurePressure systems
- Drilling
- PumpsStorage tanksValve
- Functional testingPollution reportingPressure relief
- Upstream oil and gas
- Offshore installation
Summary
A drilling mud pump’s faulty relief valve opened prematurely, overwhelming a 15-barrel tank. Approximately nine barrels of synthetic-based mud spilled, including six barrels overboard. The investigation identified inadequate containment capacity and absent pre-service pressure testing. Corrective actions included a tested replacement valve, larger discharge tank and level alarm.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Drilling; well drilling.
Classifications: Pumps.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Pollution reporting.
Classifications: Pressure relief; overpressure protection.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Offshore installation; offshore platform; offshore rig.