Fire at an Acetic Acid Plant
A hydrogen leak occurred from a low temperature valve on an acetic acid plant. The leak ignited and the resulting fire burned for about an hour. There was considerable media attention, particularly from local radio. It was surmised that deterioration of the valves may have taken place shortly before the incident.
Event Date
December 16, 1991
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Cause Comments
Leak, maintenance and inspection inadequate
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
Valve
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Pre-event Summary
A hydrogen leak occurred from a low temperature valve on an acetic acid plant. The leak ignited and the resulting fire burned for about an hour.
Consequences
Number of Injured Persons
1
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
The need for efficient communications between shift staff and day staff was emphasized. There is also a need for standards for operations and maintenance staff, detailing key routine tasks, including the frequency of plant inspections.
Event Nature
Emergency Action
Unknown
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References