Explosion of a Chemicals Storage Tank
In a chemical plant, a 1750 m tank containing an ammoniac solution explodes. The anchorage of the was ripped, the tank lifted on one side and crashed against the retention wall, which was partially destroyed. 1000 m of solution (10-20% NH3) was discharged; the stream destroyed another part of the retaining wall at the opposite side and contaminated the surroundings. Four people were slightly intoxicated (inhalations).The presence of an explosive atmosphere consisting of an air-NH3 / H2 / CH4 mixture was strongly suspected. The source of ignition was unknown (electrostatic, pyrophoric sulfides?). Preventive measures were adopted (inerting, grounding, etc.).
Event Date
January 3, 1973
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Cause Comments
The immediate cause is the formation and ignition of an flammable atmosphere, probably a mixture consisting of air-NH3 / H2 / CH4. The source of ignition is unknown (electrostatic, pyrophoric sulfides?)Root cause analysis is no given.
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
tank containing an ammoniac solution
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Pre-event Summary
750 m tank containing an ammonia solution
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Unknown
Event Nature
Emergency Action
Unknown
Release Type
Release Substance
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References