Hydrocarbons Fire in a Refinery
A diesel and gas leak (H2, H2S, CH4) occurred in a hydrodesulfurization unit (2,200 t/d). The leak location was on one of the boiler valves of the stabilization column. The released mixture (390 C / 35 bar) ignited, and due to the heat developed also other valves started leaking. The compressor was stopped and the column isolated. The fire was extinguished in 35 minutes.
Event Date
January 3, 1997
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Cause Comments
The ARIA report (see references) mentions that the failed valves were of a special type without flange (?) and that were subject during operation to heavy thermal and mechanical fluctuations, and had already experienced various incidents in the past.
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
valve of a boiler. tabilisation unit
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Pre-event Summary
These boiler valves which failed in this event had already experienced various incidents in the past.
Consequences
Number of Injured Persons
1
Currency
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
The ARIA report (see references) mention as corrective actions (1) the replacement of the failed valve, with another type and (2) improved design to protect them from mechanical and thermal stresses.
Event Nature
Emergency Action
The fire was extinguished in 35 minutes
Release Type
Release Substance
Ignition Source
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Flame Type
Source Category
References
References
Event description in the French database ARIA
https://www.aria.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/accident/11292/
(accessed October 2020)