Fired equipment combustion chamber accidents: A historical survey. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Espejo, Vicenç; Vílchez, Juan A.; Casal, Joaquim; Planas, Eulàlia
• Is Part Of: Journal of loss prevention in the process industries. Volume 71(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Furnace -- Boiler -- Explosions -- Fire -- Historical analysis; Chemical industries -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; 660.2804
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jlp.2021.104445
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-4230

Abstract

Abstract: A historical analysis was carried out on 189 accidents that occurred in gas and oil fuel fired equipment. The variation of frequency as a function of time, the main causes leading to a fire or an explosion, as well as the consequences of the accidents were studied. Explosion was the most frequent accident, followed by fire; in a few cases the final outcome was a release. Accidents in gas fired combustion equipment were significantly more frequent than those in the liquid fired ones. The main causes were tube rupture and/or error in ignition/reignition sequences, followed by loss of flame in the combustion chamber and, with a minor frequency, entrance of non-expected fuel and presence of non-combusted materials. The consequences on people were much more important in case of explosions than in case of fires. Even though the equipment involving combustion chambers can be considered essentially safe, this historical analysis has shown that accidents continue to occur with certain frequency because the number of existing units is quite high and the possibility of human error during its operation and maintenance is still significant. Highlights: Main causes leading to fire and explosion in fired equipment are provided. Accidents in gas-fired equipment are more frequent than in liquid-fired ones. Main accidents causes are tube rupture, errors in lighting sequences and loss of flame. In case of accident, explosion is the most frequent outcome, followed by fire.