Safety Alert
Electrostatic Charge Results in Methanol Tank Explosion
Electrostatic Charge Results in Methanol Tank Explosion
- IADC
- Safety Alert
- IADC Alert 12-29
- ExplosionHazardous Substances
- ExplosionFireStatic electricity
- Tank gauging and sampling
- Storage tanks
Read at IADCOpens the publisher’s page on iadc.org
Summary
This alert describes an explosion and flash fire involving a polyethylene methanol storage tank, attributed in its title to electrostatic charge. A worker checking the fluid level touched the inner tank cap; surrounding flammable vapour ignited. He received first aid for a second-degree arm burn.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Static electricity; electrostatic discharge.
Classifications: Tank gauging and sampling.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
IADC Alert 12-29. Themes: explosion, hazardous substances.