COMPLIANCE INFO_PRE 2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

SPILL REPORT DATE: January 11, 1995 TIME: Between 11:30 - 11:55 AM CHEMICAL SPILLED: Toluene Diisocyanate(TDI) AMOUNT SPILLED: Approximately 50 gallons LOCATION OF SPILL: Pouring Station bulk storage tank farm between the two TDI storage tanks (tanks#11 & 12). See attached map. CAUSE OF SPILL: Equipment failure. The high pressure shut-off switch monitoring the TDI piping system failed. Specifically, the diaphragm ruptured causing the TDI to exit through the switch casing. CONTAINMENT/CLEAN-UP: Most of the TDI was released directly into the secondary containment pit. A small amount, approximately 10 gallons, was released onto the walkway between the tank farm and the prime foam pouring line. This small amount was directed into the secondary containment pit, where all the spilled TDI was neutralized. The TDI was neutralized with TDI neutralizer, which eventually resulted in a solid urea compound. Once all the TDI was neutralized,the solid was placed into three 55 gallon drums in preparation for disposal. The total volume of waste was approximately 125 gallons. DISPOSAL: Within 90 days the three drums of waste will be properly disposed of through Van Waters&Rogers. The waste will be manifested as "UREA. CONCLUSIONS: The TDI was circulating in a closed loop when the diaphragm ruptured. During pour station working hours, and when foam is not being produced, the TDI is circulated in a closed loop. This allows the mixing head to immediately receive the necessary flow of TDI when a pour is initiated. The diaphragm is made of stainless steel, thus should not have been weakened due to contact with TDI. According to Ed Ware, the high pressure switch was about six month old. There is no way to anticipate when, or even if a diaphragm will rupture, this release was unavoidable.