On April 2, 2010, the catastrophic failure of a heat exchanger at the Tesoro Anacortes Refinery in Washington led to a deadly explosion, killing seven workers. The root cause was identified as High-Temperature Hydrogen Attack (HTHA), a damage mechanism that degrades steel when exposed to hydrogen at high temperatures and pressures. Although the equipment was operating under conditions deemed safe …
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 …


