Overview

During the course of operations at the Phillips Petroleum Houston Chemical Complex in Pasadena, Texas, on October 23, 1989, an explosion and ensuing fire occurred which resulted in 23 known dead and one missing. In addition, more than 100 other people were injured in varying degrees. Metal and concrete debris was found as far as six miles away following the explosion. Information available at the time of this report indicated that there was a failure in either a line or valve which carried ethylene and/or isobutene. The line was reported as being approximately 10 inches in diameter and possibly carrying as much as 700 pounds per square inch pressure. It is not known if a mechanical failure took place or if human error was a factor. Regardless, a failure of a high pressure line carrying these types of flammable products can create a large, enveloping, explosive cloud within seconds.

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9781484167250

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