Investigation Report
Offshore Fluid-Transfer Spill from Unsealed Pit Dump Valve
01-14-2005 04:30 G18537 AT/267 Pollution
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Environmental protectionHydrocarbon releaseMechanical failure
- Fluid transferInspection and maintenance
- Storage tanksValve
- Alarm managementFunctional testingOperating and work proceduresPre-use checks
- Upstream oil and gas
- Marine waters
Summary
An investigation documents an offshore fluid-transfer spill involving Deepwater Nautilus. Rope trapped beneath a pit dump valve prevented its O-ring from sealing. Findings address inadequate inspection, procedures and pit monitoring. Recommendations include seal testing, silicone sealing, alternatives to rope, watchkeeping, electronic alarms and revised checklists.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Fluid transfer; fluid loading; fluid offloading.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Alarm management.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Pre-use checks; pre-use inspection.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Marine waters.