Asphalt storage tank accident
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A few days ago, an accident involving the rupture of an asphalt tank occurred at my workplace. The sequence of events was as follows: initially, steam came out of the top of the tank; then the amount of gas increased, until a hissing sound was heard as the gas was released. A few minutes later, the top of the asphalt tank burst. Fortunately, there was no one in the tank; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
Hello upstairs! Has the cause of the accident been determined? What measures have been taken in response? Thank you
It seems that the boiling was caused by water inside the tank; I’m not entirely sure of the exact reason. I hope someone with more expertise can analyze what led to this situation so that it can be prevented in the future.
I think the reasons are first, there is water in the tank, and second, the temperature inside the tank wasn’t properly controlled, with heating lasting too long.
First, there is water in the tank, the heating temperature is too high, or the temperature of the asphalt fed in is too high.
1. The temperature inside the tank is too high, or the feed temperature is too high (above 100 degrees Celsius). 2. There is water inside the tank; in this case, the water boils and vaporizes, causing its volume to expand, which leads to this situation. This constitutes improper operation
Check to see if there is any steam leaking into the tank. For example, internal leakage of the valve. Heat trace leaks, etc
1. Check whether the steam purging nozzles along the pipeline are not equipped with blind flanges, which could allow steam or condensate to enter.
Based on past experience, control can be achieved through the following aspects:
**Process**
◆ Compile safety documents covering all relevant safety elements.
◆ Pay special attention to processes that involve the use or generation of unstable substances, reactions with rapid kinetics, and reactions that produce large amounts of gas.
◆ Determine in advance the areas related to process safety and the parameters that are important for safety.
◆ Implement stage-based identification based on process safety—standardizing the process approval procedure.
◆ Conduct preliminary analysis even for minor process improvements.
◆ Ensure the exchange and verification of information between manufacturers and order providers.
**Design**
◆ Consider the possibility of taking action in case of intense reactions.
◆ Calculate the requirements for safety valves and rupture discs.
◆ Prevent dangerous substances from entering safety mechanisms.
◆ Use as few glass containers as possible.
◆ Place potential leakage points of flammable fluids away from heat sources.
◆ Inspect materials that will be reused in advance.
◆ Manage small quantities and large volumes of reagents properly.
◆ Control accidental releases from recovery and neutralization devices.
◆ Ensure visibility of the operation of safety mechanisms.
◆ Study the compatibility between heat transfer fluids and the products being manufactured.
◆ Optimize mixing devices.
◆ Consider the possibility of locking safety devices in place.
◆ Explore the development and utilization of various devices.
◆ Perform maintenance work only when users are present.
◆ Select subcontractors based on criteria that include safety considerations.
◆ Control raw materials in advance.
◆ Add flammable reagents in an inert atmosphere.
◆ Purge the equipment.
**Human Factors**
◆ Provide specialized safety training.
◆ Have experienced workers act as mentors for new operators.
◆ Ensure that prohibitions are clearly defined.
**Process**
◆ Compile safety documents covering all relevant safety elements.
◆ Pay special attention to processes that involve the use or generation of unstable substances, reactions with rapid kinetics, and reactions that produce large amounts of gas.
◆ Determine in advance the areas related to process safety and the parameters that are important for safety.
◆ Implement stage-based identification based on process safety—standardizing the process approval procedure.
◆ Conduct preliminary analysis even for minor process improvements.
◆ Ensure the exchange and verification of information between manufacturers and order providers.
**Design**
◆ Consider the possibility of taking action in case of intense reactions.
◆ Calculate the requirements for safety valves and rupture discs.
◆ Prevent dangerous substances from entering safety mechanisms.
◆ Use as few glass containers as possible.
◆ Place potential leakage points of flammable fluids away from heat sources.
◆ Inspect materials that will be reused in advance.
◆ Manage small quantities and large volumes of reagents properly.
◆ Control accidental releases from recovery and neutralization devices.
◆ Ensure visibility of the operation of safety mechanisms.
◆ Study the compatibility between heat transfer fluids and the products being manufactured.
◆ Optimize mixing devices.
◆ Consider the possibility of locking safety devices in place.
◆ Explore the development and utilization of various devices.
◆ Perform maintenance work only when users are present.
◆ Select subcontractors based on criteria that include safety considerations.
◆ Control raw materials in advance.
◆ Add flammable reagents in an inert atmosphere.
◆ Purge the equipment.
**Human Factors**
◆ Provide specialized safety training.
◆ Have experienced workers act as mentors for new operators.
◆ Ensure that prohibitions are clearly defined.
The storage and transportation temperature of asphalt should be above 100 degrees
It is mainly due to the rapid expansion of the volume as water vaporizes