Investigation Report
Dow Louisiana Operations Explosions
Dow Louisiana Operations Explosions
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- ExplosionProcess Safety
- ExplosionHazardous substancesPressure systemsProcess safety
- Confined space entryInspection and maintenance
- Pressure vesselProcess pipework and pipelinesValve
- Alarm managementOperating and work proceduresPressure reliefRisk assessment
Summary
Investigation of the Dow Plaquemine explosion examines work lights left inside a reflux drum during turnaround. Degraded light debris punctured a rupture disc, admitting ethylene oxide into air-containing relief piping. The report analyses vessel closure practices, loss of nitrogen inerting, inadequate monitoring and relief routing that enabled propagation into the drum.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Hazardous substances; hazardous chemicals; chemical exposure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Process safety; major accident hazards.
Classifications: Confined space entry; tank entry; enclosed space entry.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Pressure vessel; pressure vessels.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Alarm management.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Pressure relief; overpressure protection.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Summary
Investigation into explosions during chemical manufacturing operations.
Themes: explosion, process safety.