Oil Industry Expert Investigates Cause Of Pump Explosion

This case involves the deaths of several workers following an explosion at an oil production and transfer site. Based on an initial investigation, the defendants state that the fire was caused by a transfer pump which was used to move oil between temporary storage tanks that were on-site for the startup of new oil wells. At the time of the incident, the pipeline was not viable and the oil was being stored in frac tanks. An expert to help determine the cause of the fire, determine liability for the defect which caused the blast and opine as to whether proper maintenance and safety protocols were observed in this matter.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please briefly describe your experience with the supervision and maintenance of transfer pumps at oil production facilities.

2. Please briefly describe your experience and familiarity with the main issues at hand in this case.

Expert Witness Response E-069650

I have 35 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. I have supervised flow-back and managed pressure drilling operations on numerous new wells where flammable fluids were being handled at the surface. I am familiar with the causes of fires on oil and gas locations and the type of equipment mentioned in the summary, and I am familiar with the hazards inherent with storing oil in frac tanks. Currently, I serve as a principal with a registered professional engineering firm that provides management, engineering, and operations consulting services to the upstream oil and gas industry. I have considerable experience in providing expert witness services related to forensic engineering, equipment and operations failures, and commercial damages related to these matters. I have been employed in the oil and gas industry since 1983 variously as a petroleum engineer, manager, and executive.