Investigation Report
Drilling Mud Leaked Through Subsea Riser Connection
10-30-2006 08:00 G16645 MC/737 Pollution
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Environmental protectionHydrocarbon releaseMechanical failure
- DrillingInspection and maintenanceROV operations
- Process pipework and pipelines
- Pre-use checks
- Upstream oil and gas
- Subsea
Summary
Investigation of synthetic oil-based drilling mud escaping through a subsea riser connection. An ROV located the leak after inadequate fluid returns were noticed. The report identifies worn seals, with rig movement and underwater currents contributing, and records cessation after approximately eight hours. Existing pre-run seal inspections were to receive greater emphasis.
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: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: ROV operations; remotely operated vehicle operations.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Pre-use checks; pre-use inspection.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Subsea; underwater worksite.