Patterson Rig #491 Boiler Explosion

[qcrobert]

Matthew Lawson posted this on the AWS forum and I would like to share this important information to all operators, inspectors and construction personnel in general.

"January 28th, 2012

Drilling Ahead has received a report that Patterson Rig #491 drilling at Keene, North Dakota near Williston had a boiler explode last night killing one and seriously injuring another.

The deceased worker identified to us only as "Rickey" was a married 38-year-old who had just broke out in August of 2011. The worker who pulled Rickey away from the exploded boiler is in the hospital with third degree burns."

Read more:

http://www.drillingahead.com/page/p...?xgs=1&xg_source=msg_share_page#ixzz1lC2Ss5Rd

 

[MJCronin]

The safety of boilers depends on the statutes/laws of the location where the boiler operates.

Is this really an issue about a boiler being dragged from state-to-state with no real regulatory oversight ?

What are the rules in North Dakota regarding the use, safety and operation of temporary boilers ?

Or is it a case of unqualified operators jury rigging the LWCs ?

Boilers in some states require a 24/7 operator, other states....no

 

[chicopee]

Looking at the link, the boiler is a typical fire tube of the Scotch-marine type. Historically, these boilers have good safety history. The cause of the explosion can be one of several reasons such as overpressure coupled with malfunctioning safety valves; low water condition resulting in overheating the tubes and furnace and when discovered, cold water was immediately introduced; fuel oil seeping into the water side and coating tubes and furnaces; and last and not least sabotage of the safety controls and equipment.