Specific Piping System Problems Reported as Major Incidents

Specific Piping System Problems Reported as Major Incidents 

Thirteen of the twenty-seven major refinery incidents reported from 1980 to 1995 in the large property damage report were piping failures. Six of twenty-four major petrochemical plant major incidents were the result of tube or piping failures or improper maintenance procedures involving valves. Recent examples of piping failures which resulted in massive fires or explosions follow. 

A Major Fire at a Louisiana Refinery Is Due to an Out-of-Spec Piping Fitting 

A major fire that resulted in 65 million in property damages occurred early in the morning (4 21 A.M.) on August 2, 1993. The central unit of three delayed coker units was the origin of the fire. Each of the three units consisted of four 100-ft. metal coke drums mounted about 40 ft. above grade. The sustained, intense fire caused other pipes in the area to rupture, releasing more hydrocarbons. Over 95 fire brigade members battled the fierce fire for nearly three hours. [21] The fire killed three people. 

One report stated the heavy crude oil processing unit was in normal operation and had not been undergoing repairs. A spokesman indicated the fire produced a visible plume of black smoke and a bucketful of debris was blown into the community. The company offered to wash cars to remove any airborne soot from the fire. [22] 

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