Onshore oil and gas production and processing facilities, refineries, petrochemical plants and terminals operate with high-energy processes and integrated safety systems. When a fire or explosion occurs, the losses can be large, several parties may be involved, and the questions can be deeply complex.
Neale Consulting provides clear, scientifically sound forensic analysis that explains causation and supports effective resolution of disputes.
Facilities We Investigate
We are able to investigate fires and explosions across the entirety of the oil and gas value chain from upstream to midstream and downstream facilities:
- Oil & Gas Production and Processing: onshore production and process facilities and terminals.
- Refineries: including refinery explosion investigations.
- Petrochemical and Chemical Plants: including chemical plant explosions.
- LNG Terminals: including LNG explosions.
We identify ignition sources and system failures with precision, so that clients can address liability and recovery in multi-party disputes.
What We Determine
Our investigations seek to determine:
- What was released or accumulated: and where it came from.
- The ignition source: what set off the fire or explosion.
- The type of event: including a vapour cloud explosion, a fire or a pressure vessel or equipment failure.
- The failure behind it: equipment, instrumentation, procedures, or management systems that did not do their job.
- How the safety systems performed: detection, shutdown, relief, suppression, and passive protection.
- Responsibility: who or what contributed, so that liability is fairly allocated.
Our Approach
At Neale Consulting, we take a methodical approach rooted in the scientific method. We examine the damage, the equipment and the records, reconstruct the sequence of events and test each possible cause against the evidence.
We then use root cause analysis to work out why it happened. That means looking beyond the failed item to design, installation, maintenance, operation, and the systems that manage them.
Our engineers bring failure analysis experience to the question of what failed, and our findings are written for a non-technical reader as well as for the technical team.
Who We Help
Across our decades of experience, Neale Consulting has worked with insurers, subrogation teams, operators, owners, contractors, and legal professionals. We understand that incidents at these facilities can involve serious injury and loss of life, and thus we approach every investigation with care and respect for those affected.
Need fire or explosion investigation support?
Then speak to the Neale Consulting team today. It's best to contact us at the earliest opportunity, before the site is cleared or evidence is potentially removed.
How can we help you?
