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Hydraulic fluid leak causes fire damage

  • What happened?

    A crew was called out to a fire at a heavy oil well site when hydraulic oil leaked onto an engine exhaust manifold.

    While no one was injured in the incident, the fire destroyed an engine skid, hydraulic system and associated equipment.

    Burned engine: location of pressure gauge and oil leak
  • Why did it happen?

    Following an analysis of the incident, it was determined the bourdon pressure gauge failed at the dial face and vent, causing hydraulic oil to leak onto the engine.

    The gauge was not effectively isolated because of the piping configuration and the fire ignited from the engine’s exhaust manifold.

    The gauge was under constant pressure in a high vibration/pulsation and high temperature environment. Over time, the bourdon tube of the pressure gauge failed.

    Recommended pipe configuration for pressure gauge isolation.
  • What did they learn?

    A pressure gauge and integrity review were completed across all operations, during which:

    • All pressure gauges were checked for correct application, positioning, isolation and venting, as per manufacturers’ recommendations.
    • All hydraulic systems on engine skids were fitted with a recommended pressure gauge isolation piping design.
    What learn - icon
  • Ask yourself or your crew

    How can we prevent something like this from happening here?

    What are other risks are associated with forklift operations? How can you mitigate those risks at your work site?

    What safety recommendations should be included in the operational instructions?

    How can we, as a company, implement a practical training plan that focuses on the job position, and make sure pedestrians are safer from forklifts in the future?

    Ask your crew - icon
Published on 07/06/23 705 Views

A crew was called out to a fire at a heavy oil well site when hydraulic oil leaked onto an engine exhaust manifold. While no one was injured in the incident, the fire destroyed an engine skid, hydraulic system and associated equipment.