Alert 21-09 Measurement While Drilling (MWD) Lithium Thionyl Chloride Cell Battery Explosion

WHAT HAPPENED:

On the second attempt to lower a Measurement While Drilling (MWD) tool into the drill collar, there was an explosion. The explosion discharged a vent plug which shattered the Driller’s Cabin glass, sending broken glass and chemicals into the cabin. The glass struck the Driller in the right side of the face and neck, knocking him from the Driller’s podium onto the cabin floor. Multiple employees on the rig floor suffered minor injuries from the concussion and associated gas release…