We strongly caution natural gas power plants and other industries against the venting of high-pressure natural gas in or near work sites. This practice, although common, is inherently unsafe.
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board has issued an update on their investigation of the tragic explosion that killed six workers at a gas-fired power plant in Middletown, Connecticut. The update includes important information for all facilities that handle natural gas and engage in gas purging.
This accident occurred during a planned work activity to clean debris from natural gas pipes at the plant. To remove the debris, workers used natural gas at a high pressure of approximately 650 pounds per square inch. The high velocity of the natural gas flow was intended to remove any debris in the new piping. At pre-determined locations, this gas was vented to the atmosphere through open pipe ends which were located less than 20 feet off the ground. These vents were adjacent to the main power generation building and along the south wall. The open pipe ends are visible here in the photographs.
gas venting from open pipe
In their investigation report, CSB will likely recommend alternative cleaning practices.
Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE) 