Safety Alert
Safety Alert 228 - Vent Gas Migrates Through Cable Entrance Hole, Motor Control Center Explodes
Safety Alert 228 - Vent Gas Migrates Through Cable Entrance Hole, Motor Control Center Explodes
- BSEE
- Safety Alert
- BSEE Safety Alert 228
- Electrical SafetyExplosionHydrocarbon Release
- Electrical safetyExplosionHydrocarbon release
- Inspection and maintenance
- Process pipework and pipelinesStorage tanksSwitchgearValve
- Upstream oil and gas
- Offshore installation
Summary
An offshore platform explosion followed compressor start failure and gas migration from skimmer tank vents into a motor control centre. Opening the door created a chimney effect; a pump relay ignited gas trapped in electrical panels. MMS recommends sealing openings, periodic inspections and measures preventing discharge through skimmer vents.
Classifications: Electrical safety; electrical hazards.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Switchgear; switch gear.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Offshore installation; offshore platform; offshore rig.
Summary
The alert concerns vent gas entering through a cable opening and causing a motor control centre explosion.
BSEE Safety Alert 228. Themes: electrical safety, explosion, hydrocarbon release.