Conference Papers
A Secondary Urea Reactor (R3404) in an urea plant experienced a rapid depressure event due to failure and launching of the top flange head. The failure of the top flange head was attributed to environmental stress cracking. The event caused the complete contents of the reactor to be released to atmosphere. The event also caused external damage to the vessel, vessel foundation, and surrounding equipment and buildings. This paper discusses the causes of the failure, the effects on the facility, the process of investigating the incident, and the detailed metallurgical findings, including welding parameters for the low alloy steel reactor.
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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