Introduction Mechanical integrity is one of the most important barriers between normal refinery operation and a major accident. In simple terms, mechanical integrity is the assurance that pressure equipment, piping, tanks, heaters, valves, flanges, small-bore connections and associated components are suitable for their intended service and remain fit for continued operation. It is not just about inspection. It is not …
Lessons from Silver Eagle: Metallurgical Failure, Inspection Oversight, and the Critical Role of Integrity Planning On 4 November 2009, a catastrophic explosion rocked the Silver Eagle Refinery in Woods Cross, Utah. The source: a sudden and violent rupture of a 10-inch carbon steel discharge line from the South Reactor (R30101) within the Mobil Distillate Dewaxing Unit (MDDW), releasing a large …
Credit: CSB On April 3, 2017, a catastrophic failure occurred at the Loy-Lange Box Company in St. Louis. A pressure vessel—the Semi-Closed Receiver (SCR), which stores hot condensate at 100 psig—violently ruptured. Propelled like a missile, it tore through the facility, launched through the roof at 120 mph, and crashed into a neighbouring building 520 feet away, killing four people …
Developing a comprehensive inspection plan (WrittenScheme of Examination) for pressure vessels is not just usually a regulatory requirement—it is essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and longevity of industrial equipment. For those in industries such as oil refining, chemical processing, and petrochemicals, the extreme operating conditions and hazardous materials involved make a well-structured inspection plan critical. This article explores the …
FITNESS FOR SERVICE ASSESSMENTS (FFSAs) UNDERSTANDING THE FOLIAS FACTOR We like to keep things simple on our FFS training courses at Wilkinson Coutts. In FFS codes, the term shells describes pipes, vessels, and tanks collectively. The FOLIAS factor (M) is a critical component in assessing these shells. So, what is it? It’s just a stress concentration factor to acknowledge …