Safety Alert
Investigation of Subsea Leak Identifies the Use of Materials Susceptible to Hydrogen Embrittlement (update)
Investigation of Subsea Leak Identifies the Use of Materials Susceptible to Hydrogen Embrittlement (update)
- BSEE
- Safety Alert
- BSEE Safety Alert 458
- CorrosionHydrocarbon ReleaseStructural and Asset Integrity
- Hydrocarbon releaseMechanical failureStructural and asset integrity
- Inspection and maintenance
- Process pipework and pipelines
- Alarm managementManagement of change
- Upstream oil and gas
- Subsea
Summary
A subsea jumper leak released approximately 479 barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Investigation attributed fractured Inconel 718 flange studs to hydrogen embrittlement and identified procurement, quality assurance and change-management gaps. The alert recommends operators consider metallurgical evaluation, fastener torque documentation and improved subsea leak alarm monitoring.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Structural and asset integrity; asset integrity; structural integrity.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Alarm management.
Classifications: Management of change; MOC; change management.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Subsea; underwater worksite.
BSEE Safety Alert 458. Themes: corrosion, hydrocarbon release, structural and asset integrity.