National Safety Alert No. 8
March 31, 2009                 

SAFETY ALERT

Quality Variations Discovered in Oil and Gas Pipe Components Made of Duplex Steel

BOEMRE has received information from the Petroleum Safety Authority of Norway (PSA) about quality variations in certain oil and gas pipe components made of duplex steel. PSA reports that the deviation in quality does not show on the material certificates and could involve a higher risk of brittle fractures.

PSA indicates that pipe components with the quality variation have been delivered since the beginning of 2006. More information and updates can be found on the PSA website at: http://www.ptil.no/news/quality-variations-in-pipe-components-of-duplex-steel-article5435-79.html.

In addition, a March 31, 2009 article on the Upstream website, indicates that the pipe fittings were produced by Tecninox, an Italian company, and that Tecninox produces the four-inch diameter pipes for oil and gas operators all over the world for a wide range of applications including hydrocarbon production pipes and water transportation pipes. The Upstream article can be found at: http://www.upstreamonline.com/live/article174983.ece.

BOEMRE does not have information that indicates whether or not these pipe fittings are being used on the OCS. However, the Bureau recommends that OCS operators review the information provided by the PSA and Upstream and determine whether any further action is necessary.

For further information, please contact David Izon, (703) 787-1706.