Digest
Can overcooling a reactor cause a runaway reaction? — Process Safety Beacon, July 2018
Can overcooling a reactor cause a runaway reaction? — Process Safety Beacon, July 2018
- CCPS
- Digest
- Process Safety Beacon July 2018
- Hazardous SubstancesProcess Safety
- ExplosionPressure systemsProcess safety
- Pressure vessel
- Downstream and process industries
- Onshore facility
Summary
This bulletin examines a British dye-factory reactor explosion following overheating, cooling below the required range and resumed reactant addition. It explains how low temperatures can allow reactants to accumulate, increasing vulnerability to runaway reactions. Laboratory studies and simulations suggested another heat source might also have been necessary in this incident.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Process safety; major accident hazards.
Classifications: Pressure vessel; pressure vessels.
Classifications: Downstream and process industries; refining; petrochemicals.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.
Summary
One-page Beacon explaining how overcooling a reactor can lead to accumulation of reactants and a runaway reaction.
Process Safety Beacon July 2018. Themes: hazardous substances, process safety.