Investigation Report
Oil Pollution from Flotation Cell Following Heater-Treater Dump-Valve Failure
07-08-2012 06:00 G00830 SS 229 Pollution - Other
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Environmental protectionHydrocarbon releaseMechanical failure
- Inspection and maintenance
- Valve
- Competence and trainingFunctional testing
- Upstream oil and gas
- Marine watersOffshore installation
Summary
Investigation of oil pollution from an Ankor platform’s flotation cell in the Gulf of Mexico. A heater treater dump valve failed open during reduced production following maintenance. Findings identify actuator and level-controller design and installation problems, inadequate start-up monitoring and communication. Corrective actions included control-system modification, testing and a redundant alarm.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Marine waters.
Classifications: Offshore installation; offshore platform; offshore rig.