Failures & Malperformance

Mud Pump Failure

Contact: Daphne Wassermann

Type of Project

Mechanical Engineering
Materials/Failure Investigation
Petrochemical

Outline of Project
A British company had purchased a pump for use with drilling mud for onshore exploration. After less than 200 hours of operation the pump failed.

Cadogan Consultants was asked to visit the manufacturer’s works in Europe to witness the dismantling of the pump and comment on the cause of failure.

The main shaft of the pump had failed.  Inspection of this failed surface suggested that the mechanism was fatigue, i.e. repeated overload.  Inspection of components revealed no evidence of overload from a blockage on the mud side.

The report on the inspection enabled the parties to negotiate a programme of repair and reinstatement of the pump.

key skills used by cadogan consultants

• Experience and knowledge of mechanical equipment
• Knowledge of failure mechanisms
• Report writing