Defective tube leads to acid spill in California

WASHINGTON (Scrap Monster):The accident that occurred was very much hazardous and lead to the hospitalization of two workers working at the alkylation unit of the refinery.

An estimated amount of 84,000 pounds of sulfuric acid was released at an interval of two and a half hours. The acid spilled onto the ground and the remaining leaked into the sewer system. Occupational Safety and Health Commission has ordered the unit to be shut down until further notice. This action was taken over the comments from the workers that the units were not safe.

To know more details about Tesoro Refinery’s operating procedure and mechanical integrity, OSHC has arranged a through inspection.

The  accident took place when the workers were trying to open the block valve in order to put back the acid sampling system to service. But as soon as the valve was completely opened up, the connection between the valves were detached drenching two workers in acid.

The report submitted by Anamet, a California based testing firm stated that the accident was caused by the high internal pressure and low maintenance of the valve tubes.