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Cyclone-Fired Utility Boiler Explosion

Gas-Fired Utility Boiler Explosion

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Heat Exchanger Failure and Explosion in an Olefin Plant

Package Firetube Boiler Explosion

An explosion occurred in a package firetube Scotch marine type boiler in a downtown office building. There were no injuries and damage was confined to the boiler and plant from the explosion. APTECH was hired to find the cause and origin and to make sure that it did not recur. First, we interviewed witnesses and examined and documented the condition of the as-found boiler. Next, we prepared a "punch list" of recommended repairs and modifications. Finally, we gathered test data when the boiler was brought back on-line. Based on our findings, we presented four possible failure scenarios to the client, including gas supply over-pressure, a fault in the flame detector system, a build-up of unburned fuel, and an overly-rich fuel/air mixture. Modifications to the boiler and its operating procedures were made to prevent a recurrence of this explosion.

Satish Almaula		Plant failure and root cause analysis; process and design engineering analysis; process technology development and testing; plant engineering, operations, maintenance and safety management; plant and process control system management.

Richard Schreiber, P.E.		Boiler and furnace explosions, machinery and mechanical device failure analysis, industrial fires and explosions, mechanical testing.

Kimble Clark, Ph.D.		Failure analysis, heat transfer & thermodynamics, process plant equipment failures & explosions, fuel science, combustion, industrial fires and explosions.

Steve Lefton		Boiler explosions and implosions, boiler design, operation and maintenance.