TECHNICAL EXPLOSIONS
THE HAZARDS OF PETROLEUM Wayne Geyer looks at the variety of causes in tank fires and explosions, and the importance of awareness EXPLOSIONS and fires in the petrochemical industry capture headline news locally, nationally, and globally depending on the severity and location. Best practices with safety in operations and management are essential to avoid injury and death. Unfortunately, far too many incidents continue to take place. The wide information available today via the internet makes it seem that explosions and fires are becoming more frequent. Whereas before the turn of the century, most incidents captured by headline news were contained to national incidents. A recent review through the internet revealed a surprising number of incidents globally, many of which would have never been heard about twenty years ago. Many petrochemical products are rated as either flammable or combustible. For example, gasoline and ethanol are classified as flammable liquids by the fire safety codes. Diesel, heating oil, and kerosene are considered combustible liquids. Flash points, or the temperature at which their vapours will ignite, determine their rating. The lower the flash point, the more flammable and dangerous the liquid and its vapours become.
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Credit: Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Credit: Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
TANK MISHAPS The Steel Tank Institute (STI) used to produce a monthly newsletter entitled Tank Mishaps. STI did not always have the details behind what caused the fire or the explosion, only the news story that was published. With every issue, STI would print this little explanatory introduction: ‘By learning about the misfortunes of others, it is STI’s hope to educate the public by creating a greater awareness of the hazards with storage and use of petroleum and chemicals. Please refer to the many industry standards and to the fire and building codes for further guidance on the safe operating practices with hazardous liquids.’ This article will be no different. By writing about incidents that have taken place recently, the hope is that the reader obtains a greater awareness of the hazards of the petrochemical industry. Safety moments, safety procedures,
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Credit: Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Credit: Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
