Investigation Report
Enterprise Pascagoula Gas Plant Explosion and Fire
Enterprise Pascagoula Gas Plant Explosion and Fire
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- ExplosionHot Work and FireProcess Safety
- ExplosionFireMaterial fatigueProcess safetyStructural and asset integrity
- Inspection and maintenancePressure testing
- Emergency responseManagement of changePressure reliefRisk assessment
- Downstream and process industries
Summary
This case study examines the Pascagoula gas plant fires and explosions, identifying thermal fatigue in a brazed aluminium heat exchanger as the probable cause. It analyses repair history, blocked-layer venting, temperature monitoring and process safety management deficiencies, alongside emergency response and community notification. Two night-shift workers were uninjured.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Material fatigue; metal fatigue.
Classifications: Process safety; major accident hazards.
Classifications: Structural and asset integrity; asset integrity; structural integrity.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Pressure testing; hydrostatic testing; pneumatic testing.
Classifications: Emergency response; emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Management of change; MOC; change management.
Classifications: Pressure relief; overpressure protection.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Downstream and process industries; refining; petrochemicals.
Themes: explosion, hot work and fire, process safety.