A high-pressure nitrogen cylinder on a drill rig flooring ruptured unexpectedly, destroying the cylinder rack and propelling different cylinders as much as 15 meters away. The rupture was brought on by extreme corrosion on the cylinder’s base, which was missed throughout a visible inspection three months prior. The cylinder was close to the tip of its 10-year hydro take a look at cycle and was tough to examine with out disassembling the quad. This incident emphasizes the significance of thorough inspections, correct cylinder storage on free-draining bases, and compliance with trade laws to forestall comparable occurrences, experiences IMCA.
What occurred
A high-pressure Nitrogen cylinder in a quad of 12 cylinders situated on a drill rig flooring ruptured with out warning. The cylinders had been charged to 2,400psi and weren’t related to the rest on the time of the incident. The rack was destroyed and the opposite cylinders within the quad had been propelled by the blast as much as 15m away.
Why did it occur
The bottom of the cylinder that ruptured was closely corroded. Different cylinders within the quad had proof of comparable however much less extreme corrosion.
The cylinders had been 9 years into their 10-year hydro take a look at cycle and had been visually inspected by the provider by relevant trade steering, once they had been refilled some three months earlier than the incident, earlier than being loaded out to the rig. Nonetheless, the extreme corrosion that brought about the rupture was not noticed throughout this inspection;
The cylinder that ruptured was situated in the course of the quad and subsequently not simple to correctly examine with out disassembly of the quad.
Calculations confirmed that the deadly blast zone for a single cylinder of this measurement pressurized to 2,400psi can be round 1.5 meters. The severity of the blast brought about the rack to be destroyed and the opposite cylinders to be propelled throughout the deck.
Classes realized
Are the cylinders in your facility or vessel licensed and in good situation?
Can you see the situation of all cylinders in each rack?
Are all cylinders situated on a free-draining base to attenuate corrosion?
Have you learnt what stage of visible inspection of cylinders/quads is offered by your provider?
Are all cylinders in your facility saved and situated in response to the related trade laws?
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Supply: IMCA
