We performed a root cause investigation of a gas well pipe rupture at a plant north of Pittsburgh. A well tender was initiating a “post-fracking” procedure-blowback operation to release pressure in the capped well. When the main valve was opened, the pipe ruptured due to water hammer.

The pipe, set off center, broke loose and whipped around, striking the well tender. O’Donnell engineers, conducting the evaluation on behalf of the worker, found that the pipe did not fail because of faulty material or construction.


We perform design, analysis and troubleshooting for clients in various industries including oil/gas.
Give us a call to discuss your engineering challenges.

Related Projects

Failure Analysis & Redesign of an Oil/Gas Threaded Joint Casing
Failure Analysis & Redesign of a Fracking Pump

Related Services

Failure Analysis Services
Power Plant Consulting

Resources

Tom O’Donnell, PE
Portfolio of Failure Analysis Projects

(412) 835-5007

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