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 …
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 …