Near Miss: Smoke and fire on Main Engine Exhaust
- Safety Flash
- Published on 14 October 2024
- Generated on 2 April 2025
- IMCA SF 20/24
- 2 minute read
Smoke and fire were observed coming from turbocharger flange.
What happened?
During sea trials following a docking period, smoke and fire were observed coming from the turbocharger flange to the exhaust manifold of one of the engines.
What went wrong?
It was found that the gasket on the turbocharger flange was damaged.
- The gasket in question was the wrong one for the job: it from the exhaust pipe and was designed as a “high temperature” gasket (<300°C), whereas it should have been a gasket with a specification of >500°C.
- The correct turbocharger flange gasket was not available on board during the overhaul. The correct parts had not been properly identified.
- The engine had just undergone an overhaul, during which all engine components were cleaned. However, there was a concern that residual material from the combustion chamber may have remained and reached the turbocharger area.
What was the cause?
An incorrect gasket was installed that did not meet the required specifications. The required gasket needed to have a temperature resistance above 500°C, whereas the installed gasket had a specification below 300°C.
Photos
Lessons and actions
- Check carefully that equipment and spares used, particularly in safety critical equipment, meet the specified requirements.
- There is a difference in appearance between gaskets designed for temperatures above 500°C and those designed for temperatures below 500°C. Those designed for temperatures above 500°C will feature a visible wire mesh in the middle of their structure.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 32/20
26 November 2020
-
-
IMCA SF 19/19
12 August 2019
-
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.