UPDATE 2: Cause of Plymouth LNG Explosion Still Not Known

Williams Partners said it continues to work with a team of third-party experts in conducting a post-incident investigation at its LNG facility near Plymouth, Washington as efforts continue to determine the cause of the March 31 explosion and fire at the plant.

“While the investigation is underway, the company has been and remains focused on employees and families personally affected by the event. Approximately 24 employees work at the plant. Williams continues to make available counseling and support services to employees as needed. One employee was injured and four others were assessed by medical personnel and then released. The injured employee was released from the hospital on April,” the company said in a statement..

A preliminary assessment of the approximately 80-acre facility shows damage to equipment including piping, yard valves and one of the facility’s two LNG tanks. Personnel and authorities are assessing the extent of damage to the tank and have determined it is secure. The company is starting the process to transfer the LNG in the tank to the adjacent undamaged tank. Damage also occurred to several structures on site, including the control room and mechanic shop.

“Although the cause of the incident will not be known until the investigation is complete, at this point the investigation is focused on a failed pressure vessel that removes carbon dioxide from the gas prior to its being liquefied. Neither the full extent of the damage nor plan for repairs is known at this time. Williams Partners’ Northwest Pipeline natural-gas transmission system is operating; there are currently no interruptions to customers,” Williams added.

The LNG facility has a working capacity of 2.4 million dekatherms of natural gas and primarily serves local distribution companies during peak loads in the winter heating season.

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LNG World News Staff, April 8, 2014; Image: Williams