Fire During Turbine Compressor Start-up
Effective Date: 10/3/1983
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 120
October 3, 1983
OCS Operations Safety Alert
Fire During Turbine Compressor Start-Up
While personnel were attempting to start a turbine compressor, an ignitionand fire occurred at the compressor engine exhaust. The emergency shutdown valvewas activated, but due to internal corrosion, the fuel gas supply valve did notclose in response. The fire continued to be fed by (1) excess fuel gas flowingthrough the engine exhaust, (2) gas from the gas starter exhaust vent outlet,(3) hydrocarbon vapors from the auxiliary motor's lube oil and seal oil ventoutlet, and (4) hydrocarbon vapors from the lube oil storage tank vent outlet.The fire was extinguished within 10 minutes, using the platform light watersystem. The fuel gas supply valve had to be manually closed. There were noinjuries; and damage to surrounding paint and muffler insulation was estimatedat $1,000.
To prevent a recurrence, the operator will repipe the vent lines below deck,away from the compressor engine.
Emphasis should be placed on preventive maintenance to assure properoperation of the fuel gas supply valve.
[signed] D.W. Solanas
Regional Supervisor
Offshore Operations Support