Explosion knocks out Condea Vista plant
By Staff -- Purchasing, 12/10/1998
High temperatures in an alkylation reactor have been blamed for the recent explosion at Condea Vista's Baltimore, Md., linear alkylbenzene (LAB) plant which closed production and injured five employees, according to company officials.A preliminary report issued by the company to the Maryland Department of the Environment says the explosion was likely caused by the ignition of hydrogen within or around a plant reactor that was undergoing routine maintenance. The subsequent fire at the plant was fed by paraffin discharge from nearby pipes broken by the explosion. The environmental impact was minimal, says the report, though the company did issue a public apology to the community.
Condea Vista declared force majeure as a result of the incident and is currently conducting an investigation into the accident's root cause and implications. According to a company spokesperson, the plant will remain closed during the investigation and repairs, which could take several weeks.
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