Investigation Report
Oil Spill from Heater-Treater Drain Valve During Cleaning
02-02-2008 15:45 G03137 VR/287 Pollution
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Environmental protectionHydrocarbon release
- Pressure vesselProcess pipework and pipelinesValve
- Energy and process isolationManagement of change
- Upstream oil and gas
- Marine watersOffshore installation
Summary
An investigation into an offshore oil spill found that a cleaning crew inadvertently opened a heater-treater drain valve, releasing approximately one barrel into the Gulf of Mexico. Drain rerouting bypassed water treatment after a polishing unit was removed from service. Recommendations address discharge treatment, process-flow review and management of change.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Pressure vessel; pressure vessels.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Energy and process isolation; isolation; energy isolation.
Classifications: Management of change; MOC; change management.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Marine waters.
Classifications: Offshore installation; offshore platform; offshore rig.