▲ Naphtha released through a manway quickly formed a flammable vapor cloud. These images show the first six seconds of the release. Read the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation (CSB) report No. 2021-04-I-O for more information.
On April 8, 2021, a mixture of flammable naphtha vapors and resin liquid became pressurized and released through the manway of an operating reactor at a resin plant in Columbus, OH. The naphtha vapor spread through the enclosed building and formed a flammable vapor cloud both inside and outside the building. The operator tried to hit the emergency stop button, but he could not see through the white vapor and had difficulty breathing. The operator had also been sprayed with hot resin during the release, but he was able to evacuate the building. Approximately two minutes later, the flammable vapor cloud ignited, causing an explosion and fire.
One employee was fatally injured, and eight others were transported to area hospitals for injuries. The blast shook neighboring buildings, and at least one nearby business sustained damage. The resin plant was severely damaged and demolished afterwards.
Did You Know?
- An incorrect number of clamps or bolts or improper tightening can cause manways and other covers to leak below the design pressure.
- Gaskets are another key part of sealing hatches. They must be properly rated, correctly positioned, and in good condition to provide a good seal.
- Another incident occurred when a manway started leaking before the relief device could open. See the March 2021 Beacon for more detail.
- Adding a volatile material or solvent to a process above the solvent’s boiling point can produce rapid boiling, also known as flashing, which can quickly increase the vessel pressure.
- All connections need to be properly tightened so that any overpressure will vent through the relief system to a safe location.
What Can You Do?
- Know the correct way to secure vessel hatches. Details such as how many bolts or clamps and torque requirements are important to preventing leaks.
- Operating procedures should provide the correct way to secure hatches and manways. The correct gasket type, material, and rating should also be specified in the procedure for securing openings. If these details are missing, notify the supervisor to add them.
- Leaking flanges often “whistle” or “hiss” as material leaks out. When you hear this sound, leave the area and ask the area supervisor for guidance.
Tight makes right — especially for hatches and manways!
©AIChE 2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction for non-commercial, educational purposes is encouraged. However, reproduction for any commercial purpose without express written consent of AIChE is strictly prohibited. Contact us at ccps_beacon@aiche.org or 646-495-1371.
Copyright Permissions
Would you like to reuse content from CEP Magazine? It’s easy to request permission to reuse content. Simply click here to connect instantly to licensing services, where you can choose from a list of options regarding how you would like to reuse the desired content and complete the transaction.