title: Calorimetric studies and lessons on fires and explosions of a chemical plant producing CHP and DCPO.
abstract: Cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) has been used in producing phenol, dicumyl peroxide (DCPO) and as an initiator for synthesizing acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin by copolymerization in Taiwan. Four incidents of fire and explosion induced by thermal runaway reactions were occurred in a same plant producing CHP, DCPO and bis-(tert-butylperoxy isopropyl) benzene peroxide (BIBP). The fourth fire and explosion occurred in the CHP reactor that resulted in a catastrophic damage in reaction region and even spread throughout storage area. Descriptions on the occurrences of these incidents were assessed by the features of processes, reaction schemes and unexpected side reactions. Calorimetric data on thermokinetics and pressure were used for explaining the practical consequences or which the worst cases encountered in this kind of plant. Acceptable risk associated with emergency relief system design is vital for a plant producing organic peroxide. These basic data for designing an inherently safer plant can be conducted from adiabatic calorimetry. An encouraging deduction has been drawn here, these incidents may be avoided by the implementation of API RP 520, API RP 521, DIERS technology, OSHA 1910.119 and AIChE's CCPS recommended PSM elements.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Safety & Health, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy & Science, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Jing-Ming
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: Mao-Sheng
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Chiao-Ying
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Yih-Shing
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Duh
mesh_terms: D001555:Benzene Derivatives / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D001593:Benzyl Compounds / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning / Q000379:methods*; D002617:Chemical Industry; D005107:Explosions; D005390:Fires; D013816:Thermodynamics
chemical_list: D001555:Benzene Derivatives; D001593:Benzyl Compounds; C037517:dicumyl peroxide; C007164:cumene hydroperoxide