DETONATION OF A FLAMMABLE CLOUD FOLLOWING A PROPANE PIPELINE BREAK: THE DECEMBER 9, 1970, EXPLOSION IN PORT HUDSON

This report summarizes the incidents that preceded the December 9, 1970, propane-air explosion in Port Hudson, Mo., and then attempts to establish the nature of the explosion from the ensuing events. Special emphasis is given to possible ignition sources, the distribution of flammable vapors, and the analysis of blast damage. Both near- and far-field damage indicated that this explosion may be attributed to the detonation of propane in air with an energy release equivalent to that from about 50 tons of detonating TNT.

• Corporate Authors:

  Bureau of Mines Publication Disbribution Branch

  4800 Forbes Avenue
  Pittsburgh, PA  United States  15213
• Authors:
  • Burgess, D S
  • Zabetakis, M G
• Publication Date: 1973

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: 26 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash causes; Crash investigation; Explosions; Hazardous materials; Propane
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00050101
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Bureau of Mines
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 11 1976 12:00AM