Investigation Report
Synthetic-Based Mud Discharge During Preparations for Completion Fluids
09-24-2014 06:00 G16698 GC 155 Pollution / Inadvertent Discharge of SBM / Equipment Failure / Human Error
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Environmental protectionHuman factorsLoss of containmentMechanical failure
- Fluid transfer
- Storage tanksValve
- Alarm management
- Upstream oil and gas
- Marine watersVessel
Summary
Investigation of an approximately 150-barrel synthetic-based mud discharge from Noble Driller into the Gulf of Mexico during preparations for completion fluids. A leaking mud-pit dump valve and open master valves provided the release path. The report identifies an unattended pit and ineffective volume-alarm settings as contributing factors.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Human factors; human performance; ergonomics.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Fluid transfer; fluid loading; fluid offloading.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Alarm management.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Marine waters.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.