CSB Releases New Report On Cause Of 2019 TPC Explosion
Nov. 6, 2020
Two minutes after about 6,000 gallons of liquid vapor, mostly butadiene, escaped from a processing tower at the TPC plant in Port Neches, the plant was on fire.
The Chemical Safety Board (CSB) releases a new report about the TPC plant explosion in Port Neches, Texas, which sheds additional light on the timeline of the catastrophic event. According to 12 News Now, federal officials say that just two minutes after about 6,000 gallons of liquid vapor, mostly butadiene, escaped from a processing tower at the TPC plant in Port Neches, the plant was on fire.
While the investigation is ongoing, the CSB report details what happened before, during and after the explosion. It references popcorn polymer, which can form in equipment when oxygen and butadiene react. Eight days before the explosion, TPC reportedly installed temporary filters to catch any chunks of popcorn polymer. A TPC spokesperson says in a statement that the company will take action to address the CSB’s concerns once the investigation is complete.
Many facilities handle dangerous processes and products on a daily basis. Keeping everything under control demands well-trained people working with the best equipment.
Enhance the training experience and increase retention by training hands-on in Emerson's Interactive Plant Environment. Build skills here so you have them where and when it matters...
See how Rosemount™ 625IR Fixed Gas Detector helps keep workers safe with ultra-fast response times to detect hydrocarbon gases before they can create dangerous situations.
