Safety Alert
Catastrophic Failure of Mud Centrifuge
Catastrophic Failure of Mud Centrifuge
- IADC
- Safety Alert
- IADC Alert 20-05
- Machinery and Equipment
- Line of fireMechanical failure
- Drilling
- Rotating machinery
- Upstream oil and gas
Read at IADCOpens the publisher’s page on iadc.org
Summary
A mud centrifuge failed catastrophically during drilling-fluid processing, ejecting a 65 lb pillow block bearing assembly. It travelled approximately 190 ft and struck living-quarter trailer steps. The gearbox, back-drive electric motor, coupler and associated components also became dislodged but remained within the centrifuge platform.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Drilling; well drilling.
Classifications: Rotating machinery; rotating equipment.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
IADC Alert 20-05. Themes: machinery and equipment.