Fire in the Refinery

[padovano]

Dear all, the refinery were I work had a fire incident that completely burn down the crude distillation unit, LPG unit, Light and heavy naphta splitting units. For now, detail inspection has not been done to evaluate the integrity of the main equipements like the distillation columns, lines, major feed pumps,etc that were touched externally by the flames. The hydrotreatment unit for naphta from the crude tower was shutdown because of the fire incident. No sweeping of hydrocarbon from the reactor was carried out. I would like to have some tips on how to preserve the units/equipment for a duration of about 18 months. will give more details as will be demanded.

 

[mk3223]

Hope no one was seriously injured in this unfortunate incident.
IMO, here are some steps for the thought regarding long term preservation of the undamaged systems:
1. identify of the damaged systems boundary and keep the record
2. isolate the systems and prepare a totally shutdown of the area
3. cover or plug the undamaged equipment and piping inside the isolated systems
4. preserve the isolated equipment or piping with desiccant and/or nitrogen purge system
5. suggest a EPC contractor to handle this work, and the subsequent work towards the incident investigation and final unit rebuilt.

Good luck.

 

[Dhurjati Sen]

Dear padovano,

Did the Al cladding on the insulation melt? If no, that would give you an indication that the temperature did not shoot up above the critical range for CS.

After making the units / equipment gas free, you need to carry out proper inspection. Many piping, valves, control valves, other instruments and a few equipment (maybe partially) need to be replaced.

After the above exercise, which could take 15 days to a month, you would start thinking of preserving the unaffected piping & equipment.

Standard preservation methods of equipment and piping using nitrogen or as per Shell DEP 70.10.70.11-Gen. are widely in use.

Regards.



DHURJATI SEN
Kolkata, India

 

[padovano]

Dear mkk3223, fortunately nobody was hurt in the incident. some separation drums and their platforms will be demolished. any experience on how to completely make these equipments hydrocarbon free before dismantling them?

 

[padovano]

Dear Dhurjati Sen, The Al Cladding on the debutanising column melted. Is there a risk that the metallic structure of the column has been affected thus the column might be replaced? just curious to know.Our hope is that no column was affected. For now detail inspection has not started.

 

[Dhurjati Sen]

Dear padovano,

What is the material and thickness of the debutanising column?

A thorough visual examination (both internal & external) of the debutanising column is required.

Look for signs of overheating and/or burning.

Carry out in-situ metallography & check hardness of the column at those locations where the Al cladding had melted.

Also, do the same from inside.

The results would satisfy your curiosity.

Regards.


DHURJATI SEN
Kolkata, India

 

[padovano]

Dear Dhurjati. Thanks for the inside. Detail inspection will begin on monday. I will revert.