SAFETY TALK

Presented by:
Ram Prakash Maurya
Piping (Stress)

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8/7/20
EXPLOSION AT
WILLIAMS
OLEFINS PLANT
IN GEISMAR,
LOUISIANA ON
13TH JUNE 2013

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 INTRODUCTION TO WILLIAMS
OLEFINS PLANT

 Located in Geismar, Louisiana, USA

 Produces ethylene & propylene
 Started in year 1967, underwent major design change in year 2001

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THE OFFLINE REBOILER RUPTURED
RESULTING IN A BIG EXPLOSION

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Post-incident photo of the propylene fractionator reboilers and
surrounding area. The Reboiler B vapour return piping can be
seen overhead on the pipe rack (red circle).

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 LESSONS LEARNT
 Requirement of pressure relief mechanism in the Re-Boiler circuit

 More robust isolation methods such as inserting a blind

 Installation of instrumentation to detect process fluid within the Re-Boiler

 Effective implementation of MOC, PSSR, PHA programs and an overall

improved safety culture

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RECOMMENDATIONS

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 REFERENCES

 //youtu.be/Z1KaykPaF8M
 Williams Geismar Case Study by U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard
Investigation Board

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THANK YOU

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