Investigation Report
Sonat Exploration Co. Catastrophic Vessel Overpressurization — Final Investigation Report
Sonat Exploration Co. Catastrophic Vessel Overpressurization — Final Investigation Report
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- FireHydrocarbon releasePressure systemsProcess safetyRegulation and legislation
- Process pipework and pipelinesValve
- Competence and trainingOperating and work proceduresPressure reliefRisk assessment
- Upstream oil and gas
- Onshore facility
Summary
Investigates the fatal rupture of an atmospheric-service separator during pipeline purging near Pitkin, Louisiana. Four workers died after overpressurisation and subsequent gas ignition. Causal tree analysis examines valve alignment, absent pressure relief, deficient engineering review and missing written procedures, while acknowledging uncertainty over valve-closure timing and exact failure pressure.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Process safety; major accident hazards.
Classifications: Regulation and legislation; safety legislation; regulatory requirements.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Pressure relief; overpressure protection.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.