H4 Connector Bolt Inspection Required

Cause & Consequence

• Failure of vessels or pipework

Incident Location

Drilling unit

Incident Activity

Production operations

Incident Info Source

GE Oil and Gas

Specific Incident Equipment

Part number: H10004-2, including bolt kit numbers H125004-5, H125004-6, H125004-7

H4 assembly part numbers: see appendix

Link to identified H4 bolts (P/N H10004-2): http://www.ge-energy.com/connector-update.jsp

Lessons Identified

GE was recently made aware of an incident in the Gulf of Mexico in which the upper and lower bodies of a H4 Connector contained in the Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) separated; no other similar incident has been reported. Upon investigation, it has been determined that stress corrosion cracking caused by hydrogen embrittlement was a contributor to that incident.A Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is currently underway. To ensure the fleet is aware of this issue prior to the completion of the RCA, GE is issuing this Safety Notice and recommended actions to minimize the potential of any future occurrence.GE has also recently been made aware of two additional data points found during surface inspections of the identified bolts. Both of these instances are being investigated.

Incident Recommendations

GE requires the inspection of the referenced bolts. A formal inspection procedure will be issued shortly and will include steps summarized in the flow chart contained within the attached safety notice.