Investigation Report
Compressor-Building Fire Following Fuel-Gas Valve Failure
02-06-2006 02:30 G01083 WD/73 Fire
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- FireHydrocarbon releaseMechanical failurePressure systems
- Process pipework and pipelinesValve
- Emergency responseFire protection
- Upstream oil and gas
- Offshore installation
Summary
Investigation of a compressor-building fire on West Delta 73 A Platform attributes initial ignition to a failed bronze fuel-gas valve. Investigators believe subsequent flange separation released higher-pressure gas, causing most damage. Carbon dioxide suppression and emergency shutdown controlled the fire; visibly damaged instrument fuel-gas valves were recommended for replacement at the first available opportunity.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Fire protection; fire suppression; fire detection.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Offshore installation; offshore platform; offshore rig.