The high temperature season in August every year is a period that is prone and frequent for hazardous chemical safety accidents.
Typical hazardous chemical accidents in August over the years
The "8·10" fire accident of Zhongjie Petrochemical Co., Ltd. in Cangzhou City, Hebei Province
On August 10, 2017, a fire accident occurred at Zhongjie Petrochemical Co., Ltd. in Cangzhou, Hebei Province, resulting in 2 deaths and 12 injuries.
The direct cause of the accident was: internal leakage in the cooler at the outlet of the gas compressor of the 1.2 million tons/year catalytic cracking unit. When the company organized the maintenance unit to replace the cooler outlet valve, it failed to effectively isolate the system, causing the condensate oil to escape from the absorption tower into the cooler outlet and leak and spread. When metal struck, sparks flashed, causing casualties to on-site workers.
Liaoning Dalian Petrochemical "August 17" fire accident
On August 17, 2017, the raw material pump of the 1.4 million tons/year heavy oil catalytic cracking unit of PetroChina Dalian Petrochemical Company leaked and caught fire. The accident caused damage to some equipment such as the upper pipe gallery of the raw material pump and the air cooler. The direct cause of the
accident was that the driving end bearing of the raw material oil pump was abnormally damaged during the production process, causing the raw oil pump to vibrate violently, causing the sealing bellows to break, and the pump outlet preheating wire to break, causing oil leakage and fire.
"August 23" oil tank explosion accident at Shenxian Refinery in Shandong Province
On August 23, 1993, an oil tank explosion occurred at the Shenxian Refinery in Shandong Province, resulting in 10 deaths, 4 serious injuries, and 2 minor injuries.
Cause of the accident: At the time of the incident, the contractor's construction team was insulating the crude oil tank. When the construction reached the upper part of the oil tank, the construction team leader illegally smoked next to the tank, which ignited the oil vapor discharged from the air holes of the oil tank, causing the oil tank to catch fire and explode.
Lanzhou Petrochemical Company "8·27" Hydrogen sulfide poisoning accident
On August 27, 2002, a hydrogen sulfide gas leak occurred on Xigu Ring East Road outside the north wall of the refinery of Lanzhou Petrochemical Company, resulting in a poisoning accident. The accident caused 5 deaths, 45 people poisoned to varying degrees, and an economic loss of more than 2.5 million yuan. The direct cause of the
accident was that the workers in the alkylation workshop illegally discharged part of the acidic waste oil in the waste acid settling tank into the sulfur-containing sewage system. The discharged high-concentration waste acid reacts with the sulfide in the sulfur-containing sewage to produce hydrogen sulfide gas. As the reaction continued, a large amount of hydrogen sulfide gas accumulated and diffused in the sewage pipes, and was discharged through the unsealed observation well. The higher concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas spread along the ground to the highway, causing poisoning and death of people in passing cars and pedestrians on the road.
"August 31" explosion accident of Shandong Dongying Binyuan Chemical Co., Ltd.
On August 31, 2015, the mixed dinitrobenzene unit of the diamine workshop of Shandong Dongying Binyuan Chemical Co., Ltd.'s 20,000-ton modified adhesive new material joint production project exploded during the commissioning process, killing 13 people.
Cause of the accident: Before the explosion accident, the company organized two commissioning trials, but both times were forced to stop due to large temperature fluctuations and unstable operation of the nitrification machine. On the day of the accident, the person in charge of the company forced another test run without identifying the cause of the above abnormal situation. After the test run was stopped when the same problem occurred, the person in charge of the workshop ordered the operators to discharge materials containing mixed dinitrobenzene from the nitrification re-separator to the ground in violation of regulations, causing a fire and explosion. Since the follow-up equipment had not yet been completed, multiple external construction teams were constructing and staying in the production area when the accident occurred, resulting in increased casualties.
Tianjin Yikun Fine Chemical Co., Ltd. "August 7" explosion accident
On August 7, 2006, an explosion occurred in the reactor of the nitrification workshop of Tianjin Yikun Fine Chemical Technology Development Co., Ltd. The accident caused 10 deaths and 3 injuries. The direct cause of the
accident was: the improper control of the dripping rate of concentrated sulfuric acid in the No. 5 nitrification reactor, which caused the rapid accumulation of chemical reaction heat in the reactor, and the failure to cool down in time, resulting in the explosion of the No. 5 nitrification reactor. The impact and debris of the explosion caused reactors No. 3, No. 4, and No. 6 to explode one after another.
"August 14" explosion accident at Zhaoyuan Chemical Plant in Shandong Province
On August 14, 1985, a sulfonation reaction tank exploded in the dye workshop No. 13 of Zhaoyuan Chemical Plant in Shandong Province, killing three people.
Cause of the accident: At the time of the incident, Class B of the DSD acid section of the Dye No. 13 workshop was adding sulfuric acid. The liquid level gauge was clogged and could not display the value normally. As a result, the acid was added too quickly and the stirring was insufficient, causing the local reaction between p-nitrotoluene and oleum in the tank to overheat, causing an explosion.
The "August 24" explosion accident at Shenyang Chemical Plant in Liaoning Province
On August 24, 1981, the heating jacket of the hydrolysis kettle in the sodium chlorophenol section of the purification workshop of Shenyang Chemical Plant in Shenyang City, Liaoning Province exploded, causing 3 deaths and 2 minor injuries. The direct cause of the
accident was that water entered the jacket of the No. 3 hydrolysis kettle during the hydrostatic test, and the equipment itself had a manufacturing defect (it was not manufactured according to the drawings, and the return pipe head was inserted 15 mm into the jacket), which prevented the water from being discharged from the lower part of the pipe head; before the incident, the No. 3 kettle had been in standby and was not dehydrated. Therefore, when the No. 2 kettle failed and the No. 3 kettle was replaced, the water in the jacket heated and boiled, and the serial biphenyl furnace vaporized rapidly, causing the No. 3 hydrolysis kettle to explode.
Zhejiang Ningbo Jiangning Chemical Co., Ltd.'s "8·7" poisoning and suffocation accident
On August 7, 2013, a worker was poisoned and suffocated in the maleic anhydride plant under construction by Zhejiang Ningbo Jiangning Chemical Co., Ltd., resulting in three deaths.
Cause of the accident: At the time of the incident, three unlicensed radiographic inspection workers from the subcontractor illegally entered the maleic anhydride reactor to conduct weld flaw detection. Because the nitrogen pipeline connected to the reactor was not safely isolated, the gas phase side operator mistakenly opened the nitrogen pipeline valve and introduced nitrogen into the reactor, resulting in the death of three people from suffocation.
Fengyuan (Suzhou) Biochemical Co., Ltd. "8·10" poisoning death accident
On August 10, 2009, an ethanol poisoning accident occurred during the molecular sieve filling process in the 50,000-ton anhydrous ethanol project of Anhui Fengyuan (Suzhou) Biochemical Co., Ltd., resulting in 3 deaths and 1 injury. The direct cause of the
accident was that the construction workers of the construction unit entered the molecular sieve tank to work without applying for a ticket to enter the restricted space and without taking any protective measures. They were poisoned by inhaling ethanol vapor and fainted. After discovering it, two guardians entered the tank to save people without taking protective measures, which ultimately led to the death of three people.
"August 4" poisoning and suffocation accident of Shandong Wucheng Kangda Chemical Co., Ltd.
On August 4, 2006, a nitrogen dioxide poisoning accident occurred in the methoxyacetic acid workshop of the first branch of Shandong Wucheng Kangda Chemical Co., Ltd., resulting in the death of 4 people and injuries to 4 others.
Cause of the accident: At the time of the incident, an operator entered the methoxyacetic acid reactor through a manhole to work and suffered nitrogen dioxide poisoning and suffocation. When the company organized a rescue, many people entered the reactor for rescue without any precautionary measures, resulting in poisoning and suffocation.
"August 25" explosion accident at Shandong Guojin Chemical Plant
On August 25, 2012, an explosion occurred in the hydrogen peroxide workshop of Shandong Guojin Chemical Plant, causing 3 deaths, 7 injuries, and direct economic losses of approximately 7.5 million yuan. The direct cause of the
accident was that the palladium catalyst and alumina powder in the clay bed entered the oxidation tower with the hydrogenation liquid, causing the hydrogen peroxide to decompose and increase the pressure and temperature in the tower. After the emergency shutdown, emergency measures such as material discharging and pressure relief were not taken, and the high temperature and pressure caused the upper tower of the oxidation tower to explode.
"August 5" explosion accident at Harbin Kaile Chemicals Factory
On August 5, 2011, an explosion occurred at Harbin Kaile Chemicals Factory, killing three people and injuring one.
Cause of the accident: At the time of the incident, four staff members were repackaging sodium chlorite and citric acid. During the packaging process, sodium chlorite solids encountered open flames or other ignition sources, causing fire and explosion, which eventually led to the deflagration of barreled sodium chlorite stored in the warehouse.
"August 1" hydrogen sulfide poisoning accident at Haicheng Chemical Plant in Liaoning Province
On August 1, 1981, workers in the barium chloride workshop of Haicheng Chemical Plant in Liaoning Province were poisoned by hydrogen sulfide while cleaning calcium hydrosulfide storage tanks, resulting in the death of five people. The direct cause of the
accident was: three workers in the barium chloride workshop entered the calcium hydrosulfide storage tank without replacing and analyzing it before entering it, and without wearing protective masks. As a result, one person was poisoned and fainted in the tank. Other people on site found out and blindly rescued, which ultimately led to the death of five people from poisoning.
The "August 26" explosion accident of Guangwei Chemical Co., Ltd. in Hechi City, Guangxi Province
On August 26, 2008, an explosion occurred at the organic plant of Guangwei Chemical Co., Ltd. in Hechi City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, killing 21 people and injuring 59 people. More than 11,500 people were evacuated within 3 kilometers of the factory area. The accident caused direct economic losses of 75.86 million yuan. The direct cause of the
accident is: the overall liquid level of the CC-601 series storage tank that stores acetic acid and acetylene synthesis reaction liquid in the synthesis section has dropped, resulting in the formation of negative pressure in the tank and the inhalation of air, which is incompatible with the gas phase substances in the tank (90% Acetylene) is mixed to form an explosive mixed gas, which overflows from the wire rope hole of the liquid level gauge and is detonated by the static sparks generated by the lifting movement of the wire rope and the pulley. Then the material in the tank flows out and evaporates into a large amount of flammable and explosive vapor clouds that spread with the wind. When encountering a fire source, a large explosion and fire will occur that affects the entire plant.
Anhui Wuhu Shanjiang Chemical Group Company's "August 5" Leak and Explosion Accident
On August 5, 1998, an explosion occurred in the polymerization section of the PVC plant of Wuhu Shanjiang Chemical Group Company due to the leakage of vinyl chloride , resulting in 5 deaths, 4 serious injuries, and 3 minor injuries. The direct cause of the
accident was: the polymerization section removed and repaired the sealing components of the two vinyl chloride monomer pumps used for feeding. The short-circuit flange of the feed inlet of the 2# pump was not connected when off duty, and the "prohibited use" safety warning sign was not set; when the shift was handed over, the unmaintained 2# pump was unclear; the operator on duty accidentally opened it, causing the leakage of vinyl chloride, and failed to handle it in a timely manner, resulting in a large amount of vinyl chloride leaking, triggering an explosion and combustion.
The "August 29" explosion accident at Caohekou Chemical Plant in Benxi, Liaoning
On August 29, 1989, a space explosion occurred due to the leakage of vinyl chloride in the polymerization section of the PVC workshop of Benxi Caohekou Chemical Plant, causing 12 deaths, 2 serious injuries, and 2 minor injuries. The direct cause of the
accident was: Due to an operating error, the cooling water was stopped after only 8 hours of reaction (the plant's polymerization reaction usually takes about 11 hours), resulting in a sudden increase in the temperature and pressure in the 3# kettle in the middle and late stages of the polymerization reaction. Because the valve between the polymerization kettle and the rupture disc was closed, the rupture disc failed to relieve pressure, and the vinyl chloride broke through the manhole gasket on the top of the kettle and leaked, causing an explosion.
Guizhou Xinghua Chemical Co., Ltd. "8·2" methanol storage tank explosion accident
On August 2, 2008, an explosion and combustion accident occurred in the methanol storage tank of Guizhou Xinghua Chemical Co., Ltd., killing three construction workers, injuring two others, and destroying six storage tanks.
Cause of the accident: During the construction of the inert gas protection facilities of the methanol tank, the construction unit opened the spare nipple on the top of the refined methanol storage tank due to violation of regulations, and connected it to the carbon dioxide pipeline. The other end of the pipeline extended to the lower part of the tank outside, causing the tank to be connected to the atmosphere through the pipeline, and air entered the tank. The methanol-air mixed gas in the tank leaked through the piping. When it encountered welding sparks caused by illegal fire work next to the refined methanol tank, it caused an explosion and combustion in the pipe mouth area. It also caused an explosion of the methanol-air mixed gas in the tank through the connecting pipe. The bottom of the tank was flushed open, and a large amount of methanol leaked and burned, causing five nearby storage tanks to explode one after another.
"August 4" Poisoning Accident of Ningxia Duowitairui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yongning County, Yinchuan City
On August 4, 2011, the valve of the sewage pipe in the pump room of Ningxia Duowitairui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yongning County, Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region ruptured and hydrogen sulfide gas overflowed in the pipeline, killing three people and injuring two others.
The direct cause of the accident was: the valve of the sewage pipe in the pump room suddenly burst. After hearing an abnormal noise, the shift monitor fainted when he went down to check. Two workers on duty fainted when they entered the scene for rescue. Subsequently, the personnel involved in the rescue showed discomfort reactions. Due to blind rescue efforts, 3 people died.
Jiangsu Wuxi Coking Plant "August 5" explosion accident
On August 5, 1982, the Daosheng heating furnace in the phthalic anhydride workshop of Wuxi Coking Plant suddenly exploded. The furnace body flew out, and the explosion caused a fire. The workshop building was destroyed, causing 5 deaths and 1 serious injury. The direct cause of the
accident is that the company has been using and managing the tunnel furnace in the phthalic anhydride workshop as a normal pressure equipment. There is only a pressure gauge with a pressure of 0.6MPa installed on the furnace. There is no safety valve and no over-temperature and over-pressure alarm. An overpressure phenomenon occurred in 1981, but no attention was paid to it.On the night of August 5, due to the hot weather and the fact that the two operators did not take a good rest during the day, one of them was sleeping on a stool and the other was chatting away from his job. The overtemperature and overpressure of the furnace went unnoticed and an explosion occurred.
Shenzhen Qingshuihe Hazardous Chemicals Warehouse "8·5" huge explosion fire incident
On August 5, 1993, a huge explosion occurred in the Qingshuihe Hazardous Chemicals Warehouse of Shenzhen Anmao Dangerous Goods Storage and Transportation Company, causing 15 deaths and 200 injuries, including 25 serious injuries, and a direct economic loss of 250 million yuan. The direct cause of the
accident is that the dry goods warehouse in Qingshuihe was illegally converted into a hazardous chemicals warehouse, and a large amount of oxidants such as potassium permanganate, ammonium persulfate, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, etc. were mixed with the strong reducing agent alkali sulfide, combustible camphor essence, etc. in the warehouse. Inside, the oxidant and the reducing agent reacted and released heat, causing combustion, causing more than 3,000 boxes of matches and a total of more than 210 tons of ammonium nitrate to catch fire and then explode. An hour later, a second strong explosion occurred in the fire area, causing even greater damage and fire.
Shandong Huangdao Oil Depot "8·12" Major Fire Accident
On August 12, 1989, a major fire and explosion occurred in the Huangdao Oil Depot, killing 19 people, injuring more than 100 people, and causing a direct economic loss of 35.4 million yuan.
The direct cause of the accident was that the No. 5 concrete oil tank that stored 23,000 cubic meters of crude oil at the Huangdao Oil Depot was defective and suffered a lightning strike, causing the oil and gas to deflagrate and catch fire, leading to the deflagration of nearby storage tanks. The flames then swept through the entire reservoir and affected other nearby units. The spilled crude oil flowed into Jiaozhou Bay, causing marine pollution.
Chemical plant explosion in Texas, USA
On August 31, 2017, affected by Hurricane Harvey, a chemical plant in Texas, USA, was flooded and exploded. The accident injured 10 people. One of the deputy sheriffs was sent to the hospital for treatment after inhaling the smoke caused by the explosion. Another 9 people went to the hospital for treatment on their own. On August 29, the chemical plant site was flooded by floods caused by Hurricane Harvey, which disrupted plant operations, shut down power, and stopped the cooling system. The person in charge of the factory workshop said that if the chemicals cannot be cooled properly, they will ignite and cause an explosion. The factory cannot prevent the explosion because the water level in the factory has risen by 6 meters.
You only have one life.
Always keep safety in mind
▍Source: Yangcheng Emergency Management
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