Shared Learning-Beaumont Refinery CHD#2 Flash Fire

On April 17, 2013 a fire occurred on the

Diesel Hydrotreater (CHD-2) at the
Beaumont Refinery when contractors were
preparing a feed-product heat exchanger
for bundle removal. Contractors were
removing bolts in a poorly monitored area
with a cutting torch. Flammable vapors
and an ignition source caused a flash fire.

in the area including a truck,

Questions to ask yourself:

Could this event have occurred

here? Have we had similar events
that were Near Misses that could
have resulted in the same outcome
here? extension cord still plugged in
and damaged wiring.

What Happened?
Contractors were removing bolts on a
diesel hydrotreater exchanger that was
shut down for turn around.
The exchanger was flushed, drained,
hydrogen purged, nitrogen purged and
isolated.
A fire occurred when the final bolt was
removed and the seal was broken, due
to flammable material still in exchanger.

Actions to prevent similar

occurrences:
Proper gas monitoring and tool selection
(cutting torch vs. impact wrench) could
have prevented this incident
Suspension of all non-essential hot work
during seal break.
Always assume flammable substances
may be present and respond as such.
As a last resort, ERT Scaffold based
Deluge system and possible ERT stand
by.

For more information regarding this

event contact the SWRC Safety Team