Safety Alert
Catastrophic failure of a pipework clamp connector
Catastrophic failure of a pipework clamp connector
- HSE
- Safety Alert
- ED2-2015
- Pressure SystemsStructural and Asset Integrity
- Loss of containmentMechanical failurePressure systemsStructural and asset integrity
- Inspection and maintenance
- Process pipework and pipelines
- Non-destructive testing
- Upstream oil and gas
- Offshore installation
Summary
This safety alert examines brittle failure of small pipework clamp connectors associated with improper heat treatment, excessive hardness and hydrogen cracking. It describes an offshore gas release and other failures, and calls for checking pre-2010 Techlok and Destec connectors of 2 inches or below through certification, appropriate non-destructive inspection and hardness testing.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
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: Non-destructive testing; NDT; non-destructive examination; NDE.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Offshore installation; offshore platform; offshore rig.
Summary
Safety alert concerning catastrophic failure risks associated with pipework clamp connectors.
ED2-2015. Themes: pressure systems, structural and asset integrity.