Drilling & Workover Organization

Minor fire from battery

April 2018
The Alerts are provided to all Drilling and Workover Operations Foremen and Liaisonmen so that we all learn from the
experiences of others. The knowledge of this incident could prevent similar ones from happening in the future.
Saudi Aramco policy requires the information in this Alert to be communicated to all crew members and documented on
morning reports.

What happened?
While drilling 6 1/8” section, assistant mechanic observed smoke coming from Generator # 4. Driller was
informed, the fire alarm was activated, well was secured and emergency shut down (ESD) activated.

The fire spread quickly to the insulation of the electrical cables, both batteries and the battery charger located inside
the battery charging panel. Due to the heat and fire, the plastic lock on the door of the battery charging panel
melted and opened the front door of the panel allowing oxygen to enter the panel. This fueled the fire allowing the
fire to reach the fluorescent lamp installed above Generator # 4.

Fire team proceed at the Generator # 4 and extinguished the fire.

Consequences:
 Property damage.
 Operations stopped for investigation.

Why did it happened?

Based on the investigation report, these are the contributing causes:
 Short in the wiring between the diode bridge and batteries in the battery charging panel for Generator # 4
 Poor wiring configuration in the battery charging panel.
 Improper loading on wiring due to lack of suitable protective devices.
 Inadequate protective devices installed to protect wiring in the event of a fault.
 Corrective/periodic maintenance performed did not identify potential risks.
 There was no fuse installed in the positive circuit of the batteries or the output of the bridge rectifier, thus
increasing the risk of a fire if there was a short circuit.

What should be done to prevent recurrence?

 Install a protective cover for all diesel rubber lines between the engines.
 MOC to be opened for installation of fuses at positive terminal of each battery and at output of diode
bridge in the battery panel.
 Verify on all other rigs that the wiring configuration within the battery charging panel is installed
appropriately.
 Include the checking/inspection of wiring/fuses and batteries for the battery charging panel in periodic
maintenance strategy.
 Install fuse in the positive circuit of the batteries or the output of the bridge rectifier to reduce the risk of
fire in the event of a short circuit.

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

 Short circuit wiring diagram

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use