Root Cause Investigation of Gas Well Pipe Rupture

Root cause investigation of a gas well pipe rupture was performed 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.

O’Donnell Consulting Performs Engineering Design, Analysis and Troubleshooting on Equipment for Clients in Various Industries including Oil / Gas.