July 12, 2013

Explosion in solvent tank

An explosion took place in a solvent tank that was part of a process that was being started up for the first time. It is reported that the explosion took place even though there was a nitrogen blanketing system of the tank. When you start a plant for the first time or after any modifications, be very careful. Humans make mistakes and especially during the time pressures for commissioning.


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1 comment:

  1. Can you provide any more details. If there was an N2 blanket, this suggests several possibilities: (1) it was designed properly, (2) it was turned off, (3) the tank had not been fully inerted yet, or (4) there were openings that allowed air to enter.

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