Investigation Report
Safety warning after a catastrophic failure of capacitor and explosion in 11kV harmonic filter
Safety warning after a catastrophic failure of capacitor and explosion in 11kV harmonic filter
- MAIB
- Investigation Report
- Electrical SafetyExplosion
- Arc flashElectrical safetyExplosion
- Inspection and maintenance
- Functional testing
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
This bulletin examines a capacitor failure in Queen Mary 2’s 11kV harmonic filter that caused an explosion and blackout. Preliminary analysis describes deterioration, ineffective fault monitoring and a likely oil-vapour conducting path. Operators are urged to inspect capacitors, verify cooling and ventilation, and calibrate and function-test monitoring systems.
Classifications: Arc flash; arc fault; arc-flash.
Classifications: Electrical safety; electrical hazards.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
This document is for operators of vessels with electric propulsion which have large capacitors in harmonic filters.
Themes: electrical safety, explosion.