Investigation Report
Husky Energy Superior Refinery Explosion and Fire
Husky Energy Superior Refinery Explosion and Fire
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- ExplosionHot Work and FireProcess Safety
- Barrier managementExplosionFireProcess safetyStructural and asset integrity
- Inspection and maintenance
- Pressure vesselProcess pipework and pipelinesRotating machineryStorage tanksValve
- Competence and trainingEnergy and process isolationOperating and work proceduresRisk assessment
- Downstream and process industries
- Onshore facility
Summary
Investigation of the Superior refinery explosion during fluid catalytic cracking shutdown. It examines air entering hydrocarbon equipment, missing steam-barrier and purge safeguards, eroded slide valves, procedural and training deficiencies, and brittle vessel fragmentation. Debris punctured an asphalt tank, escalating the event into fire; recommendations address transient-operation safeguards and emergency preparedness.
Classifications: Barrier management; safety barrier management.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
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 vessel; pressure vessels.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Rotating machinery; rotating equipment.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Energy and process isolation; isolation; energy isolation.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Downstream and process industries; refining; petrochemicals.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.
Summary
The refinery was shutting down in preparation for a five-week turnaround when an explosion occurred, sending several people to area hospitals with injuries.
Themes: explosion, hot work and fire, process safety.