Safety Alert
Safety Alert 136 - Air Volume Tank Explosion
Safety Alert 136 - Air Volume Tank Explosion
- BSEE
- Safety Alert
- BSEE Safety Alert 136
- ExplosionPressure Systems
- ExplosionLine of fireMechanical failurePressure systems
- Inspection and maintenancePressure testing
- Pressure vessel
- Upstream oil and gas
- Offshore installation
Summary
An offshore production-platform air volume tank failed when pressurised for sandblasting and painting, ejecting an end plate that struck a compressor. Inspection found incomplete weld penetration, flat rather than dished ends and extensive cracking. Despite earlier hydrostatic testing, failure occurred in service; the operator planned inspections and replacement of non-compliant vessels.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Pressure testing; hydrostatic testing; pneumatic testing.
Classifications: Pressure vessel; pressure vessels.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Offshore installation; offshore platform; offshore rig.
BSEE Safety Alert 136. Themes: explosion, pressure systems.