Perforating guns are devices used to perforate oil and gas wells in advance of production. Holes must be punched in the casing or liner of the oil well so that it can be connected to the reservoir, creating an effective flow between the two. Perforating guns are incredibly important tools on any oilfield, and are a necessary part of the job when constructing oil wells. But because perforating guns utilize explosive charges, they can be incredibly dangerous if not operated properly – or if they are not properly maintained. Each year, workers are injured in Las Cruces oilfield accidents, many of which could have been prevented. That’s why our attorneys serving Las Cruces have compiled information about the causes and prevention of oilfield perforating accidents in New Mexico. Read on to learn more.
What are the Components of a Perforating Gun?Perforating guns have four components:
In order for a perforating gun to function properly, all of these components must be in good condition and properly connected. If any individual component is damaged or defective, disaster can occur.
What Happens When a Perforating Gun Detonates?Whenever a perforating gun detonates, it goes off instantly – in fact, the leading tip of the jet travels between 25,000 and 30,000 feet per second. This creates a force of impact pressure that is between 10 to 15 million psi. As you can probably imagine, this much force can cause catastrophic damage if it is not properly controlled.
How Often Do Oilfield Work Accidents Occur?Oilfields are one of the country’s most dangerous workplaces – thousands of deaths and injuries occur every year. In 2008 alone, there were 120 fatal work injuries that occurred in the oil and gas extraction industry, and a full 25% of these occurred as a result of contact with equipment. These statistics show just how dangerous machinery such as perforating guns can be, and are the reason behind federal and industry regulations regarding safety protocols.
Choosing the Right New Mexico Oilfield Accident Attorney After Las Cruces Oilfield AccidentsBecause the oil and gas companies in Las Cruces have massive legal teams and extensive financial resources, oilfield accident cases are often uphill battles that must be handled with skill. That means you’ll need a lawyer with the resources and experience to fight for you. You’ll also need an attorney who has detailed knowledge of oil industry regulations.
The Carabin Shaw Difference: Trusted Las Cruces LawyersOur firm employs only the best Las Cruces accident lawyers, and we’ve helped our clients recover more than $500 million in compensation. We have years of experience handling lawsuits involving oilfield accidents in Las Cruces, and we have the know-how to take on the oil and gas companies and get you the settlement you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a work accident and you’re ready to meet with a work injury lawyer serving Las Cruces, you should know that we offer all of our new clients a no cost, no obligation initial consultation. This means that you have absolutely nothing to lose by giving us a call.
So call our office today for a free consultation with a work injury attorney serving Las Cruces at 915-779-2301 to find out what our experienced lawyers at Carabin Shaw can do for you. Las Cruces oilfield accidents can be devastating, but we can help you get your life back on track. You don’t have to do this alone – we’re here for you.