Alert 02 – 11 Engine Blower Fire
WHAT HAPPENED:
Due to a failure in the intake air shutoff device on one of the two intake blowers (Turbo) during normal rig operations a 16-cylinder diesel engine blower caught fire. The cam that controls the closing function of the flappers on the shut down device was worn due to vibration allowing it to slip causing the flapper to close. After closure, the blower rotors made contact with the housing resulting in heat buildup due to friction. Oil from the scavenging system was sucked into the rotor housing due to the pressure drop and was dispersed on the now hot rotor, thereby resulting in ignition of the oil.