MMA tank evacuation in California. Technical explanation. An answer to 10 different assumptions in different threads. [View all]

[Melon]

I work in chemicals and have spent time in a methyl methacrylate plant. This is MMA. It’s downstream from either acetone or more likely propianaldehyde. In the US, this is downstream from Ethylene cracked from gas.

This is the product that’s made into acrylic. All of those clear plastic screens in front of the grocery checkout are acrylic. It’s also the thick plastic used in large aquariums, bullet proof glass etc. It’s lighter than glass, safer, and at a high level doesn’t involve strip mining to produce. It’s not consumer plastic attributed to most pollution like plastic water bottles.

MMA improperly stored or having a contaminant in the tank can cause polymerization. The liquid is basically cross linking in the tank to transform into another chemical. The waste product to that reaction is heat and pressure. This is what’s happening.

The tank is too far gone and is exponentially building heat and pressure. They can cool the tank but not stop the reaction. At some point the tank can’t handle the pressure and will rupture or explode. At this point, for safety, it’s best to turn on the hoses and back all emergency crew away. There iso no stopping it. The relief valve is either broke or more likely can’t keep up with the pressure.

I will answer questions if I know the answer. I was and am not a chemist or operator.