Investigation Report
Midland Resource Recovery Explosion
Midland Resource Recovery Explosion
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- ExplosionProcess Safety
- ExplosionHazardous substancesPressure systemsProcess safetyRegulation and legislation
- DecommissioningFluid transfer
- Pressure vesselValve
- Competence and trainingOperating and work proceduresPressure reliefSafety communication
- Downstream and process industries
- Onshore facility
Summary
This investigation examines two fatal explosions during draining of chemically treated gas odorizers at Midland Resource Recovery in West Virginia. It identifies failures to characterise vessel contents and manage reactive chemistry hazards, while leaving the exact reactions unresolved. The report discusses operating procedures, overpressure protection and gaps in regulatory coverage.
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: Regulation and legislation; safety legislation; regulatory requirements.
Classifications: Decommissioning; facility dismantling.
Classifications: Fluid transfer; fluid loading; fluid offloading.
Classifications: Pressure vessel; pressure vessels.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Pressure relief; overpressure protection.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Downstream and process industries; refining; petrochemicals.
Classifications: Onshore facility; onshore plant.
Summary
A tank violently exploded while it was being emptied of its contents.
Themes: explosion, process safety.