The U.S. Chemical Security and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) introduced an update on its investigation right into a July 2023 explosion on the Dow Louisiana Operations’ Glycol II plant in Plaquemine, Louisiana, that resulted within the launch of over 31,000 kilos of ethylene oxide (EtO), a recognized carcinogen.
A number of subsequent explosions and fires broken close by piping and tools, together with a reflux drum. Along with the discharge of EtO, the incident resulted in substantial property injury on the facility, and native officers issued a shelter in place order for a whole bunch of close by residents.
The CSB launched a workforce to the positioning of this investigation on April 4, 2024, after the Company eradicated CSB’s long-standing backlog of investigation reviews.
The CSB mentioned it has recognized a number of occasions of concern that occurred throughout this incident, together with excessive vibration in a reflux pump, upsets within the EtO ending course of, and a number of explosions and fires, and finally the discharge of 31,525 kilos of EtO, a cancer-causing substance. Investigating the basis causes of every occasion will likely be essential in understanding and stopping comparable incidents sooner or later.
The CSB is continuous to assemble details and analyze a number of key areas concerned on this incident, together with:
- Emergency pressure-relief methods situations
- Reactive chemical hazards
- Reactive materials emergency pressure-relief system design
- Upkeep procedures and practices
- Related facility, company, and business requirements
The CSB’s investigation of this incident is ongoing. Full findings, analyses, and acceptable suggestions will likely be detailed within the CSB’s last investigation report.
Supply: CSB
Matters
Louisiana
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