Due to a leak in a container , the release of product caused a fire in an experimental fatty acid methyl esters production plant. The leak was discovered at 11:50 hrs and the whole plant was stopped (closing of valves and pumps, stop of the container’s stirring system…) in 12 min. At 12:34 hrs. a fire involving the leaking container was noticed. The fire brigade was informed, the emergency plan was activated, extinguishing operations started with the help of transportable fire fighting gear. The fire intensified in 10 minutes after the disintegration of the tank and the release of flammable material into the plant hall.

A tank of methanol nearby was cooled down , the extinguishing operations went on until the late evening. The material damage amounted to 2.9 M euros. The extinguishing water scattering process residues (fat/ fatty acids) caused ground/soil pollution. The contaminated soil was excavated and disposed off.

The plant operator will use Fire proof materials for machines and pipes, reduce the fire hazards in the production hall by separating the different equipments (including the separation between process equipments and utilities). He will also install fixed fire fighting systems in particularly hazardous units and insure a constant extinguishing water supply.