A LOOSE BEARING LOCKNUT CAUSES AN INCIDENT

On February 11, 2023, shortly before 1:00 p.m., a pump failure released hydrocarbons (primarily crude oil) and nitrogen oxide at a crude oil production facility in Texas. The crude oil released from the failed pump ignited, causing a fire that damaged nearby equipment and led to additional material releases The company estimated the property damage from the incident to be about $1.5 million.

The company's investigation found excessive wear and tear on the pump, which led to its failure. The company also found that the pump’s bearing lock nut, which holds the bearings in place, was loose. It concluded that this loose lock nut allowed the pump shaft to move and contact pump components, which caused pump damage that resulted in crude oil being released from the pump into the atmosphere. The company also concluded that heat from metal-to-metal contact in the pump seal area may have provided the ignition source.
During the incident, over 1,500 barrels of hydrocarbons (primarily crude oil) and over 1,200 pounds of nitrogen oxide were released.

Probable Cause
Based on the company's investigation, the CSB determined that the probable cause of the accidental crude oil release and fire was the failure of a crude oil pump. The released crude oil was likely ignited from heat from metal-to-metal contact in the worn pump.