What Is an Oil Well Blowout?

An oil well blowout is an uncontrolled release of crude oil. Blowouts occur when pressure release systems fail. They can also occur if a spark or flame contacts the oil or for other reasons. Oil well blowouts cause death and catastrophic injuries to workers near the scene of a blowout.

Prior to the 1920s, according to Petro-Online, blowouts (also called gushers) were quite common. Today, pressure release systems help control the release of oil, but accidents still happen.

Why do oil well blowouts occur?

A very common cause of oil blowouts is rock formation pressures around an oil reservoir. Oil can take millions of years to develop. The process involves compression of water and the pressurization of water by layers of sediment on top of carbon-based substances (typically some type of life form). Oil well companies counter the pressure by using mud at the drilling site. If the pressure balance isn’t managed properly, oil, gas, and water can infiltrate the wellbore or even the drill itself. A blowout can then result.

How can you prevent a blowout on the oilfield?

Specific steps should be taken to prevent the infiltration of the oil, gas, or water. These steps include:

• Closing in the well
• Using heavier fluids to try to raise the pressure
• Slowly evacuating the release of the oil, gas, or water

Many of the causes of oil blowouts are well-known within the industry. Oil well companies that fail to plan for these issues should be held accountable for any injuries or fatalities they cause.

What types of blowouts can happen in an Oklahoma oil well?

The three kinds of blowouts, according to Petro-Online, that can cause devastating consequences are:

• Surface blowouts.This is the most common kind of oil well blowout. It can harm the oil rig and the surrounding area. It may even cause a deadly or catastrophic explosion. Relief wells are used to control the pressure and fluid balance.
• Underground blowouts.These blowouts are less common. Fluid from high-pressure formations flows to low-pressure formations.
• Underwater blowouts. These blowouts are extremely hard to manage. The Deepwater Horizon well disaster, in 2010, in the Gulf of Mexico is one example.

At Cunningham & Mears, our Oklahoma City oil well accident lawyers are ready to help. We work with engineers and other scientists to analyze why oil well accidents happen, who’s responsible, and what steps should have been taken to prevent more accidents. We fight for families who have lost a beloved employee and workers who suffer burns, broken bones, nerve damage, and other injuries. To schedule a free consultation at our offices, please call our Oklahoma City office at (405) 232-1212 or fill out our contact form.