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Content: Pagemasters:
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Gulf of Mexico
Region Explosions 2003 (6 total)
January 7, 2003
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation
Remarks: The M/V which was moored 2.2 miles from the platform snagged the associated gas pipeline while retrieving its anchor. The vessel began pulling up the anchor at 0736 hours and halted the operation at 0830 hours when the Captain realized hed snagged a heavy object. Ten minutes later, the Captain noticed fire and smoke under the platform and notified the USCG. Sometime after 0800 hours, the platform operator felt several jolts to the platform which intensified in strength and eventually rocked the platform. The operator shut-in the platforms two producing wells. About 10 minutes later, the platform was jolted again and the gas pipeline broke loose and an explosion and fire erupted from the severed pipeline beneath the platform. The three individuals on the platform at the time evacuated the facility via helicopter. Damage to the platform and pipeline is estimated at $1,841,000. The vessel was moored outside of the designated lightering area per the instructions of the Mooring Master. The Mooring Master and the Captain were unaware of any pipelines in the mooring area as apparently neither one had a copy of the pipeline overlay to the NOAA nautical chart. January
16, 2003 Century Exploration Company
Remarks: A Bell 206L-1 single engine helicopter was destroyed on impact with the platform. The helicopter crash landed on top of a generator skid on the platform deck and caught fire. The pilot and two passengers were seriously injured and a third passenger was fatally injured. The three men were seen bailing out of the aircraft after impact. There was a second explosion and the fire became more intense. Platform personnel began to fight the fire with 30 lb. and 150 lb. dry chemical extinguishers and water. The NTSB cited the pilots improper approach and settling with power as probable causes (see NTSB factual and probable cause reports). Damage to the platform is estimated at $1,132,475.
July 5, 2003
EOG Resources, Inc.
Remarks: A well was approved to have the well stub removed. The procedure called for windows to be burned in numerous pipes. Each time a window was to be burned, cement was to be chipped away in order to gain access to the next successive pipe string. At the time of the incident, the diver was working in the 30 window, chipping away cement to gain access to the 20 pipe. At some point in this process, the diver ignited his cutting torch inside the 30 windows and an explosion occurred fatally injuring the diver.
October 23, 2003
The Houston Exploration Company
Remarks: While going in the hole with a perforating assembly conveyed on coil tubing, the assembly detonated in the lubricator and injured one man working on the well deck. The man was sent in for medical treatment and all operations have ceased. December 19, 2003 Apache Oil Corporation
Remarks: An explosion occurred while attempting to start the heat media vessel (EAL-1510). Subsequent inspection of the chamber system of the vessel indicated that the dampers on the vessel were only partially open which 1) did not permit the correct mixing of air/fuel needed for quick ignition and startup, and 2) allowed excess gas to buildup in the combustion chamber before ignition. The explosion did not result in a fire but was the result of insufficient ventilation and buildup of fuel gas in the combustion chamber during initiation of the main burner during startup. Property damage due to the explosion is estimated at $150,000. December 31, 2003 Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
Remarks: At approximately 9:35 am the gas fired hot oil heater (EAL-420) shut down. The shutdown occurred in a proper fashion (gas block valves had closed) and no malfunctions were detected. Operations personnel were restarting the hot oil heater when an internal explosion occurred during the re-ignition process. After the explosion, the Operator isolated the entire unit and closed the manual valves for both the main fuel gas and the pilot light gas. The 2 main fuel valve (SDV) was subsequently bench tested and found to be leaking which allowed fuel gas and condensate to be present in sufficient quantities to contribute to the explosion. Additionally, the fuel scrubber did not appear to be adequately removing condensable hydrocarbons, and condensate was being swept into the fire chamber by the forced draft blower during startup. The condensate auto ignited on the hot surface of the fire chamber and provided the ignition source for the natural gas/air mixture already present in the system due to the leaking SDV, contributing to the explosion. Damage is estimated at $300,000. Privacy | Disclaimers | Accessibility | Topic Index | FOIA Last Updated: 06/24/08, 03:07 PM
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