Preliminary risk analysis of major accidents in the "Otto Parellada" thermoelectric power station

Abstract

Among the accidents of technological origin, the so-called major accidents occupy an important place, that is, spills (liquids) or leaks (gases) of toxic and / or flammable substances, fires or explosions that can occur during operations with dangerous substances, capable of causing serious damages to people, the environment and economic damages. The Process Risk Analysis is a discipline that combines the engineering evaluation of technological processes with mathematical techniques that allow estimations of probabilistic frequencies and consequences of possible major accidents, as well as determining the causes for which they could occur. A study for the preliminary risks analysis of major accidents was carried out at the "Otto Parellada" thermoelectric power station (TPS) in Havana, Cuba. The results established that the dangers of toxic sulfuric acid spills, flammable fuel oil spills, fires and explosions in the fuel distribution system and in the boiler are present in the TPS. The main causes of major accident risks identified were: failure of the water flow control system to the boiler; protection systems failure; insufficient inspection and maintenance and inadequacies in the chemical treatment of water. The recommended measures to improve the safety management of TPS processes are technical-organizational, related to the frequency and scope of inspections, maintenance and updating of the process manual, as well as proceeding with the installation of a plant for the treatment of residuals generated in the process.