Investigation Report
Synthetic Oil-Based Mud Spill During Exploration Drilling
06-07-2017 09:30 G07493 GB 427 Pollution
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Environmental protectionLoss of containmentMechanical failure
- DrillingInspection and maintenancePressure testing
- Blowout preventer
- Upstream oil and gas
- Marine watersSubsea
Summary
BSEE investigates a synthetic oil-based mud spill during exploration drilling at Garden Banks Block 427. Examination identified failure of the subsea blowout preventer’s upper variable bore ram bonnet-door cartridge seal. Possible contributing factors included accumulated debris, inadequate cleaning and flushing, and inadequate communication of a known seal-integrity risk.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Drilling; well drilling.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Pressure testing; hydrostatic testing; pneumatic testing.
Classifications: Blowout preventer; BOP; blow-out preventer.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Marine waters.
Classifications: Subsea; underwater worksite.