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    Melinda Mayes

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    OMM Web Team

Fires – 1996

02-JAN-96 - Enserch Exploration, Inc.

Remarks: While tripping the drill string out of the hole, the block motion compensator fluid fill hose snagged on the traveling block guide rail and parted the fluid fill hose, two air hoses, and the control line for the Olmsted valves on the motion compensator. Approximately two barrels of fluid were released from the hose. The wind sprayed fluid onto the flash gas compressor exhaust system and manifold piping in two uninsulated surfaces resulting in ignition and a flash fire. The drill floor was secured, and production was shut in by manual activation of the ESD system. The fire was extinguished within minutes, and no injuries resulted from this incident.

03-JAN-1996 - Entre Energy Corporation

Remarks: A fire occurred when glycol from the glycol reboiler leaked onto the insulation. The fire was extinguished using a 30# dry chemical extinguisher.

05-JAN-1996 - DelMar Operating, Inc.

Remarks: The platform operator was warming up (idling) the gas compressor engine when the final discharge piping exploded causing a small flash fire. The flash fire extinguished itself immediately. One operator was passing near the compressor piping when the explosion occurred, resulting in minor injuries to his eyes and face and ringing in the ears.

11-JAN-1996 - Conoco, Inc.

Remarks: A fire occurred when glycol soaked insulation began to smolder. The insulation became soaked due to a leaking flange on the glycol reboiler. The small flame was extinguished using a 30# dry chemical extinguisher.

18-JAN-1996 - ORYX Energy Company

Remarks: The oil line on a diesel generator broke, and motor oil blew onto the exhaust pipe. The fire was extinguished with a handheld extinguisher. There was no damage.

24-JAN-1996 - ORYX Energy Company

Remarks: Oryx was in the process of completing the upper sand. The perforating guns were pulled from the well and a packer plug retrieving tool was made up to the bottom of the workstring/tubing. The packer plug was then pulled. A gravel pack assembly and gravel pack screen were then run in the well. Completion fluid started to flow out the top of the workstring/tubing as it was being worked in the well. The crew was not able to connect the top drive unit to the workstring/tubing. The blind rams were closed but the flow out the workstring/tubing did not change. Additional rams and the annular preventer were closed. Gas flowing out the workstring/tubing ignited. Forty-five personnel were evacuated from the rig by two vessels without incident. Within 2 hours after the fire ignited, the top drive fell to the rig floor. Shortly afterwards, the derrick toppled. The fire extinguished itself about midnight on January 28, 1996, and the well was killed on February 7, 1996.

27-JAN-1996 - Chevron USA, Inc.

Remarks: An operations specialist observed a small flame on No. 1 generator exhaust and manually activated the ESD system to shut in the platform. The fire was extinguished using carbon dioxide extinguishers. No injuries or pollution resulted from this incident. The activated ESD system operated properly and shut in the platform. Cracks in the exhaust piping and flanges resulted in an exhaust residue build-up between the generator exhaust piping and the generator insulation blanket.

04-FEB-1996 - Phillips Oil Company

Remarks: Upset in the flare scrubber resulted in oil being spilled onto a compressor and starting a fire. The fire was put out quickly.

02-MAR-1996 - Texaco Exploration & Production, Inc.

Remarks: An investigation team was inspecting a compressor, which they shut down and closed the suction and discharge manual block valves. There was a slight amount of gas escaping through the valves, which ignited causing a flash fire. The ESD was initiated and a 125# dry chemical unit was used to extinguish the fire.

04-MAR-1996 - Exxon Corporation

Remarks: The #1 generator was being put back in service when the generator panel shorted out, resulting in a fire. The fire was quickly extinguished using a 20# CO₂ extinguisher. Fire damages include replacement of the generator and associated wiring.

08-MAR-1996 - Conoco, Inc.

Remarks: A pipeline riser rupture and flash fire occurred on the 6-in departing bulk gas pipeline. Analysis of the pipe determined that the failure was due to tensile overload consistent with creep failure. Failure was due to gradual thinning of the pipe wall from corrosion due to breaches in the pipe coating. Fire damage was limited to a charred floatation life ring and a charred section of the CLX electrical cable. The PSL sensor actuated and isolated the JB-3 well and shut off flow.

11-MAR-1996 - Shell Offshore Inc.

Remarks: The Glycol contactor, which dumps to the glycol still column, received oil from the gas outlet of the high-pressure separator. The oil in the still column went out the vent, which is located above No. 1 and No. 2 generator exhaust, the probable ignition sources. The fire tripped the platform fusible plug system, shutting in all production and closing all pipeline shut-down valves. The fusible plug system shut-in the generator, therefore, the electrically powered firewater system would not work. The fire was extinguished using dry chemical.

15-MAR-1996 - Texaco Exploration & Production, Inc.

Remarks: A small flash fire on the exhaust manifold of the No. 1 compressor was the result of a high liquid level in the vapor recovery system (VRS) activating the LSH and shutting in the Nos. 1 and 2 compressors. Liquid was drained from the VRS and the LSH was cleared. The platform operator noticed a flash fire around the exhaust manifold while he was attempting to restart the compressor. The fire was quickly extinguished with a hand-held extinguisher. After a second attempt to start the compressor, it began to backfire and smoke. The inspector found a small crack in an expansion joint on the compressor. A new expansion joint was installed.

26-MAR-1996 - Chevron USA, Inc.

Remarks: The platform operator responded to a platform fire loop system (TSE) alarm, which resulted from a direct lightning strike to the flash gas venting from the arrestor of the oil tank's vent line. He immediately extinguished the fire with a dry chemical extinguisher. The only damage was to a fusible plug that had been burned and melted. The fusible plug was replaced, the fire loop system was recharged, and the platform returned to production.

03-APR-1996 - Midcon Offshore, Inc

Remarks: Platform operator 1 was cleaning sand and BS&W from the flare scrubber by removing the flange to flange piping and drain valve from the vessel. Operators 2 and 3 were simultaneously initiating production and pressuring up the production separator. The pressure relief valve relieved prematurely through the valve and piping. This pressure surge generated static electricity and ignition. Operator 1 was in the immediate vicinity of the escaping gas and fire and received burns to his face, neck, and arms. The fire scorched the flare scrubber and contact tower, melted the electrical wiring tray, and activated the fire loop system by burning through a TSE, which properly resulted in total platform shut down.

06-APR-1996 - Norcen Explorer, Inc.

Remarks: The platform operator was attempting to start the platform diesel crane engine whose starter is propelled by 140 psi supply gas pressure. The operator sprayed ether into the engine air intake and walked around the side to signal another operator to open the gas start valve. When the first operator checked to see if the engine started, he heard an explosion, and a brief flash fire occurred, inflicting first and second degree burns on his face. The operator was transferred to a quarters facility and treated by a medic. The burns were considered minor, and the operator declined further medical evaluation at a land-based facility.

09-APR-1996 - Marathon Oil Company

Remarks: While performing welding operations, a tarpaulin shielding welding slag caught on fire.

09-APR-1996 - Conoco, Inc.

Remarks: The operator was removing the orifice plate when gas from the meter migrated into the insulation of the compressor engine exhaust. The gas ignited blistering paint on the piping and engine.

11-APR-1996 - Texaco Exploration & Production, Inc.

Remarks: Flames 3-4' high were discovered coming from the glycol regenerator filler cap area. After closing the fuel valve to the fire tube burner, the fire was fully extinguished after a few reflashes. The platform was shut in, and the insulation around the filler cap area was cooled with water. There was no significant damage.

11-APR-1996 - Phillips Petroleum Company

Remarks: During a platform check, a 2-ft flame emitting from the Glycol reboiler was observed. The reboiler and the platform were shut in and the alarm was sounded. A hand-held 30# fire extinguisher was used to extinguish the flames, and fire water was utilized to cool down the unit. The reboiler had previously been shut down for repairs and re-piping. The unit was then placed back into operation. An investigation revealed that the insulation was saturated with condensate, apparently when the release valve activated.

13-APR-1996 - Texaco Exploration & Production Company

Remarks: The fire was a result of oil-based mud spurting out of the stand pipe and falling on the compressor exhaust pipe and momentarily igniting. It seems the hole caved in and when the rig crew removed the swivel from the stand pipe, the oil-based mud spurted out. The fire was a momentary flash, which extinguished itself. The swivel was immediately put back on the stand pipe. There was no pollution, no injuries, and no damage as a result of the incident.

23-APR-1996 - OXY USA, Inc.

Remarks: During lube oil fill operations of the low-pressure gas compressor day tank, the platform mechanic became involved in other activities and left the fill pump running unattended. The tank overflowed allowing lube oil spray to come in contact with the compressor exhaust system, resulting in a fire. The fire was immediately extinguished with an insulated blanket leaving little damage.

30-APR-1996 - NCX Company, Inc.

Remarks: Slag and sparks were falling as a result of welders cutting and replacing the grating on the sump deck. The gas powered wash-down pump was turned on to wet the tarps over the sump tank. The wash-down pump stroked several times fast, venting gas, which was ignited from the slag and sparks. Trying to get a better view of the fire, the welding supervisor stepped through the open hole in the grating, fell 30-ft, hit the handrail, and fell into the Gulf waters. The structure was shut-in by activating the ESD Station. The fire was quickly extinguished with a dry chemical extinguisher. The welding supervisor suffered fatal internal injuries.

04-MAY-1996 - Chevron USA, Inc.

Remarks: Welders were repairing the stairway handrails leading to the production deck when a flash fire broke out. The production separator dumped condensate to the condensate stock tank causing gas vapors to vent through the pressure vacuum relief hatch. Welding slag/sparks ignited the venting vapors. The fire was spotted and then extinguished with a 30# hand held dry chemical extinguisher. The temperature sensing element on the condensate stock tank functioned properly, activating the ESD. There were no injuries, pollution, or damage to equipment.

05-MAY-1996 - Conoco, Inc.

Remarks: A fire occurred in an electrical panel box for the deep-well pump when a capacitor burned out, causing minor damage to the electrical box. The fire was extinguished using a 30# dry chemical extinguisher.

07-MAY-1996 - Vastar Resources, Inc.

Remarks: A fire occurred when the turbo charger on the rig engine failed, allowing oil to spray onto the engine exhaust, resulting in a flash fire. The fire was quickly extinguished using a 30# dry chemical extinguisher.

10-MAY-1996 - Texaco Exploration & Production, Inc.

Remarks: The ³/₈" stainless steel tubing connected to the sensing side of the No. 1 pipeline pump PSV broke causing crude oil to be released. The pipeline pump exhaust ignited the oil resulting in a fire which was extinguished within minutes using deluge and fire water systems, along with handheld chemical units.

11-MAY-1996 - Texaco Exploration & Production, Inc.

Remarks: A fire occurred when the welder was cutting the casing and the oil base mud ignited. The fire was put out with one 30# hand held dry chemical extinguisher. The casing was then washed and flushed before the cut was completed.

20-MAY-1996 - Chevron USA, Inc.

Remarks: The CLX cable to the No. 4 agitator motor shorted out causing a spark, which ignited leaking gas from the motor shaft. Operator extinguished fire.

21-MAY-1996 - PANACO, Inc.

Remarks: [NOTE: The accident occurred on State Lease 979, West Delta, Block 54. This facility is located in State waters; however, OCS oil is processed into Tank No.1 giving MMS authority to investigate.] Workers were preparing to clean storage tanks on the platform. Two workers in a tank were handed a, supposedly, secured steam cleaning sprayer nozzle. The explosion occurred when the cleaning unit was started. The safety representative grabbed an extinguisher but the unit failed to discharge chemical into the tank. All personnel were evacuated. Only one fire monitor was activated due to the fire pump malfunctioning. The fire was extinguished using the fire monitor and water spray from the life boat. There were three minor injuries as a result of the accident.

24-MAY-1996 - Marathon Oil Company

Remarks: A smoldering rag was found and extinguished after a welder had just completed welding a support brace for grating.

29-MAY-1996 - Union Oil Company of California

Remarks: Due to thunderstorms, sand blasting crews ceased operations and were off-loaded. The SCADA monitoring system on another platform illuminated a platform shutdown and lost all communications thereafter. The crew returned the next morning to find the platform had sustained severe damage. The platform was shut in by the emergency fire detection system. No injuries occurred during this incident, and no pollution was observed.

06-JUN-1996 - Unocal Exploration Corporation