Fluid Mechanics Safety Modules

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board referred to in the safety modules is an independent federal agency that is tasked with investigating the major causes of chemical accidents. They provide recommendations on safety improvements and provide lessons learned in hope to protect the community and environment from future incidents.

Please click on the the module you want to view.

Module 1: Williams Owens Olefin Plant Explosion
Description: Build up of tar reduced flow rate through the tube side of the exchanger that explodes
Location: Geismar, Louisiana, US
Date: June 13, 2013
Module 2: Freedom Industries Leak
Class Tested by University of Fluid Mechanics Course
Description: Calculate the leak rate of a toxic fluid from a storage cylinder
Location: Charleston, West Virginia, US
Date: January 9, 2014
Module 3: Acetylene Service Gas Explosion
Description: Malfunctioning check valve caused acetylene to escape and ignite
Location: Perth Amboy, New Jersey, US
Date: January 25, 2005
Module 4: Hydraulic Shock at Millard Refrigerated Services
Description: Gradient module hydraulic shock rupturing pipe
Location: Theodore, Alabama, US
Date: August 23, 2010
Module 5: Praxair Cylinder Fire and Explosion
Description: Derive equations that show escaping propylene rocketing cylinders through the air
Location: St. Louis, Missouri, US
Date: June 24, 2009