Investigation Report
Drilling Mud Discharged After Flowline Valve Failed to Open
01-26-2010 11:00 G31744 GC/685 Pollution
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Environmental protectionHydrocarbon releaseMechanical failure
- Drilling
- Operator displays and control interfacesValve
- Functional testing
- Upstream oil and gas
- Marine waters
Summary
An investigation records approximately four barrels of synthetic oil-based drilling mud discharged into the Gulf of Mexico after a flowline valve failed to open. The mimic panel incorrectly showed it open. Personnel stopped pumping, tested the valve and corrected the valve and display; no further discharge was observed.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Drilling; well drilling.
Classifications: Operator displays and control interfaces.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Marine waters.