Ball Valve in Relief Line Over Pressured

Cause & Consequence

• Failure of vessels or pipework

Incident Location

Any Location Type

Incident Activity

Drilling, workover

Incident Info Source

Change step in safety

Specific Incident Equipment

The brass ball valve was rated to 250 psi and placed in a 3000 psi relief line

Lessons Identified

Equipment pressure ratings - ALL components of the presuure piping system did not meet the maximun pressure rating and therefor failed.System Design - The 'pop off' and bleed off lines were 3" diameter leading into a 2" line which had the potential to create a pressure build up.Material Specification - Brass fittings were not appropriate for this application.

Incident Recommendations

All parts of the piping systems must be suitable for the application

Maintain consistant diameter piping in the relief pressure systems.