General Director of JSC “Naftan” Vladimir Tretyakov and director of “Polymir” plant “Naftan” Oleg Zhebin commented on the situation in connection with a resonant incident, which occurred in the production of “Polyethylene” on 27 April. In social networks, and information on some online resources have interpreted this as “average” or “explosion” by publishing photos and video of fire. What actually happened?

According to Oleg Zhebin, due to failure of the valve occurred increasing pressure and temperature of the reaction mixture in an ethylene polymerization reactor installation (plant number 105). This led to the standard triggering automatic emergency protection program “A1”, which is aimed at preventing accidents and other negative effects on the operating equipment.

As a result of operation of the “A1” of the program occurred controlled overpressure relief ethylene-polyethylene mixture through a specially equipped Candle pipelines with subsequent ignition, which occurred as a result of accumulation in the center pole spark of static electricity. It is formed as a result of discharged high velocity of the reaction mixture of ethylene, polyethylene (which gave a black smoke). Reset the mixture was produced in a safe for personnel and equipment location.

Protection Program “A1” worked exactly according to the algorithm, assuming no accidents, equipment damage, and safe for staff. Disposal ethylene mixture to waste candles shop number 105 did not have a negative impact on the environment at the plant “Polymir” and in Novopolotsk. The reclaimed product its composition was not chemical composition and is not toxic. The consequences of the incident did not lead to the malfunction of production capacities “Polymir” plant, did not affect the release of commercial products, fire and environmental safety.

To restore the failed valve was temporarily suspended work shop number 105 for preventive inspections of equipment Control, ESD, and so on. D. At present, after the necessary actions shop number 105 again works steadily, processes accumulated during the idle storage park ethylene.

Clearly and consistently worked MOE units, fire rescue unit № 2, responsible for the safety of the plant “Polymir”. Calculations of earnings per unit immediately after operation of the program “A1” to ensure operational readiness to act on the spot with a possible emergency situation.

After what happened in the shop number 105 incident at the plant “Polymir” a working commission to investigate the causes and preventive measures. Oleg Zhebin emphasizes that the damage, destruction and casualties as a result of the incident no. Moreover, for more than 12 years at the plant “Polymir” was not allowed fires and accidents. This including evidence of the reliability of operating equipment and skilled factory workers.

Vladimir Tretyakov said that the technological failure of the second degree, which occurred at the plant “Polymir” – is, if not planned, but controlled the time of process technology. Reset overpressure of ethylene-polyethylene mixture through special ducts provided Candle technological regulations.

It should be noted that a combustion mixture in the atmosphere are not toxic. The result of the reaction – carbon dioxide and water.

In comments given to various media, it has already indicated that there were no serious consequences for the plant did not bring this incident: no victims or damage, except for a few broken windows.

During the one and a half days work shop number 105 was restarted. Restored damaged glazing. Yes, the shop of the second stage the ethylene polymerization had to be stopped for a while. But the released amounts of ethylene were redirected to the same shop first. And in fact no serious economic or technological damage inflicted not stop.

Director-General considers that the perception of photos posted on the Internet and videoillyustratsy the incident emotionally exaggerated. A similar process – recycling ethylene mixture by burning flares – occurs after each stop technology shops “Polymir” plant. During the stop, and in the course of a set of optimal technological parameters of the torches are lit, confusing the ordinary observer. By the way, in recent years we have twice had to stop production capacity to “Polymir” because of the voltage drop due to problems with our electricity supplier.

It should also be noted that the condition of the air basin in the region controlled by the relevant environmental service. This is a very important issue, which oversees the state. And our company has been working in strict compliance with the environmental policy adopted by the country.