Investigation Report
Synthetic-Based Mud Released to Sea During Mud Displacement
02-10-2012 16:00 G05911 GC/205 Pollution-Other
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Environmental protectionHydrocarbon releaseLoss of containment
- Fluid transfer
- Valve
- Operational supervision
- Upstream oil and gas
- Marine waters
Summary
An investigation examines the release of 44 barrels of synthetic-based mud, including 30 barrels of oil, during mud displacement on Nabors 85. Partly open pit dump valves and debris obstructing the master valve allowed discharge to the Gulf of Mexico. Findings identify poor valve maintenance and failures to verify equipment functionality.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Fluid transfer; fluid loading; fluid offloading.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Operational supervision.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Marine waters.