Incident Investigation Services
Watson Millican & Company consultants have investigated industrial accidents involving fires, explosions, falls, equipment collapse, and chemical exposure, leading to injuries, fatalities, and tens of millions of dollars in property damage and business interruption losses.
Our investigations have determined root cause through rigorous examination and forensic analysis of physical evidence, engineering design, video and photographs, operating data review and interviews following standard industry investigation protocols.
Incidents at refineries, gas processing plants, chemical plants, storage terminals, retail gasoline stations, power generation and distribution facilities, pipelines, drilling sites, and other manufacturing facilities and construction sites have been investigated.
Our consultants have provided expert reports and testimony in arbitration, state and federal courts, and in international legal venues. Services have been provided to owner/operators, contractors and service companies along with legal and insurance clients.
Refining and Chemicals
Refinery LPG Fractionation Tower Collapse and Fire
Investigated and assessed actions and safety practices of the operators and contractors that led to LPG release, vapor cloud ignition, collapse of 125 foot tall LPG tower and fire at U.S. Gulf Coast refinery.
Power Generation
Electrical Power Plant Steam Turbine Failure Investigation
Performed root cause failure investigation of 160 Megawatt (MW) power generating steam turbine in Nevada, including site inspection, physical evidence analysis, review of design, construction practices, and steam path cleanliness practices during maintenance. Failure caused by the circulation of debris through the steam path. Provided expert report and testimony.
Combined Cycle Power Plant Gas Quality Dispute
Provided expert opinions on behalf of an owner/operator for an arbitration in Latin America. The claim concerned equipment damage and additional maintenance costs resulting from the provision of contaminated fuel gas by a pipeline transporter/operator to a power plant. WMC visited the site, interviewed plant personnel, and prepared two expert reports. The matter was settled by the parties prior to the arbitration hearing.
Natural Gas and NGLs
Investigation of Gas Processing Plant Accident
Assisted a major oil company in the investigation of explosion and fire with resulting failure of natural gas supply from onshore crude oil, condensate, and natural gas processing facilities located near the Bass Strait of Australia. Reviewed facility design, operating, and maintenance standards and assisted in the preparation of testimony before a Royal Commission
Production Facility Incident
Reviewed the design of a “full well stream” (natural gas, condensate, and water) production and separation facility in Louisiana. Determined the cause of failure for a vapor recovery tank during pipeline purging and production start up operations.
Pipelines
Petroleum Product Pipeline Explosion
Investigated the cause of a motor gasoline leak and subsequent explosion and fire in northwest Washington. Witnessed excavation of damaged pipe by the National Transportation Safety Board and evaluated pipeline system design, maintenance, and operation.
Midstream, Terminals, Distribution
Fire at Retail Gasoline Station
Investigated cause of flash fire at retail gasoline station during tanker truck unloading. Reviewed owner and contractor operating and safety procedures and practices. Reviewed equipment design. Reconstructed incident from surveillance video, interviews and physical evidence.
Petroleum Products Terminal and Pipeline Leakage
Assisted attorneys in the review and assessment of product spills and leaks from storage tanks and pipeline manifolds.