Skikda, Algiers, Jan. 20, 2004

1
Skikda, Algiers, Jan. 20, 2004

• R.A. Hawrelak
• CBE 497
• CBE 317

2
The Incident

• A defective, high pressure, steam boiler ruptured
  in a large refinery in Algiers.
• High vibrations were heard just before the boiler
  ruptured. (Two Phase Slug Flow?)
• The resultant explosion on rupture of the 1500
  psig boiler damaged nearby vessels containing
  flammables.
• The flammable Loss Of Containment resulted in
  further fires and explosions.

3
Results

• 23 workers were killed.
• Nine are still missing.
• 74 were injured.
• 800,000,000 (U.S.) estimated property damage.
• We have another Flixborough incident.

4
Observations / Possible Causes

• A foreman in a storage depot at the complex said
  he heard Strange noises and abnormal vibrations
  coming from a boiler and valves before the main
  explosion.
• This is often symptomatic of two phase flow in
  the line to the boiler KO drum.
• Two phase flow in the Slug Flow Regime will
  give you high vibrations.

5
(No Transcript)
6
(No Transcript)
7
(No Transcript)
8
(No Transcript)
9
(No Transcript)
10
(No Transcript)
11
(No Transcript)
12
(No Transcript)
13
(No Transcript)
14
(No Transcript)
15
(No Transcript)
16
Flames light the sky after an explosion at
Algeria's largest refinery and principal oil
exporter in the port city of Skikda, 500 km (310
miles) east of the capital Algiers, early January
20, 2004. Rescue workers searched through rubble
for missing worker on Tuesday after a huge
explosion at its key gas installations killed 23
people on Monday evening, official media said.
17
Lessons To Be Learned
18
Lesson To Be Learned

• High pressure (1500 psig) steam boilers have high
  potential energy. If opened to atmosphere
  rapidly, the energy released can be equivalent to
  many lbs of TNT.
• Steam boilers, by design, have two phase flow to
  the KO Drum. On upsets, this flow can get into
  the Slug Flow Regime where high vibrations can
  cause rupture of the line.

19
Lessons Learned - Continued

• If the line rupture, the energy released can
  damage nearby equipment.
• If this equipment contains flammables, the LOC
  can be very hazardous.
• Early ignition is almost always happens and the
  resulting fires cause more vessel ruptures and
  explosions in domino fashion.

20
End of Presentation

• Be prepared for exam questions on this type of
  incident.