The Piper Alpha Rig Destruction

The Piper Alpha Oil Platform in the North Sea, about 100 miles from Aberdeen, Scotland, exploded and was destroyed by fire in July 1988. One hundred and sixty-five people were killed. I was hired by Occidental Petroleum, the operator of the platform, to write an independent report of the catastrophe. The basic cause of the incident was clearly the release of light hydrocarbons (propane, butane, pentanes) associated with a condensate flash drum located on the production platform. 

Occidental s investigation indicated that the accident was the result of two (now dead) pipe fitters not replacing a relief valve properly on a pump discharge line. My report was contradictory to Occidental s conclusion and consisted of the following observations  

To support my conclusion, I noted that the exterior of the flare line had been observed covered with ice shortly before the fire and that a high liquid level had been noted in the vessel that day. I submitted my report to Occidental, received payment by wire transfer, and never heard another word about my report from my client. 

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