Conference Papers
An investigation of an incident that occurred at a Nitric Acid Plant was conducted. The incident involved a ruptured 18-inch (457mm) diameter Type 304L stainless steel pipe from the Converter to the Tail Gas Catalytic Reactor. The ruptured line had been in service for approximately 18 years. The rupture resulted in ejection of pipe fragments through the roof of the building and damage to equipment in the vicinity of the pipe. No injuries occurred. This article summarizes the findings of a very unusual condition of intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) due to sensitization of a low carbon stainless steel. The lessons learned from this failure are important for those who regularly work with stainless steel components, to help manage and avoid cracking failures in such equipment.
As the biofuels industry continues to expand in support of global decarbonization mandates and objectives, facility owners and developers are being challenged to balance production efficiency, operational reliability, and personnel safety.
As high hazard facilities, biofuels sites should focus on developing a fire protections strategy informed by performance-based analysis so strategies implemented meet the unique challenges found at each facility.
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