‘No indication’ of crime in Watson plant explosion, officials say

[Elderberry]

Houston Chronicle by  St. John Barned-Smith Jan. 31, 2020

Leaking propylene fuel ignited by routine electric arcing likely caused the calamitous explosion at the Watson Grinding and Manufacturing facility in northwest Houston, authorities said Friday. There is no evidence the explosion was caused by a criminal act.

The early morning blast destroyed the manufacturing facility, killed two people, wounded others, damaged hundreds of structures — and created a shockwave that woke Houston residents living more than a dozen miles from the site.

“We have no indication that would lead us to believe this was a traditional criminal act,” said Fred Milanowski, special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Houston Field Division. “No indication it was arson, no indication it was sabotage, no indication of vandalism.”

More: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Officials-say-electrical-arcing-ignited-leaking-15020618.php

[Bigun]

Houston Chronicle by  St. John Barned-Smith Jan. 31, 2020

Leaking propylene fuel ignited by routine electric arcing likely caused the calamitous explosion at the Watson Grinding and Manufacturing facility in northwest Houston, authorities said Friday. There is no evidence the explosion was caused by a criminal act.

The early morning blast destroyed the manufacturing facility, killed two people, wounded others, damaged hundreds of structures — and created a shockwave that woke Houston residents living more than a dozen miles from the site.

“We have no indication that would lead us to believe this was a traditional criminal act,” said Fred Milanowski, special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Houston Field Division. “No indication it was arson, no indication it was sabotage, no indication of vandalism.”

More: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Officials-say-electrical-arcing-ignited-leaking-15020618.php

@Elderberry does anyone know what they actually did in that place?  I haven't seen that anywhere.

[Elderberry]

@Elderberry does anyone know what they actually did in that place?  I haven't seen that anywhere.

http://www.gopbriefingroom.com/index.php/topic,389644.msg2134963.html#msg2134963

They've been there for a while.

http://www.watsongrinding.com/company/about/

Quote

    Watson Grinding & Mfg
    4525 Gessner

    For over 50 years, we’ve provided Machining, Grinding, Lapping & Thermal Spray Coatings to customers.

    The quality of our in-house manufacturing processes is assured by our ISO 9001:2008 certification, team of QA/QC certified professionals and our fully equipped in-house Metallurgical Laboratory.

    In addition to our expert staff, our state-of-the-art robotic thermal spray facility allows us to precisely apply HVOF, Plasma and Weld Overlay coatings that increase the strength and service life of our customers’ parts.

    As a full service manufacturer, additional in-house capabilities include full service CNC Machining, Manual Machining and Precision Grinding of large parts and exotic alloys.

[Bigun]

http://www.gopbriefingroom.com/index.php/topic,389644.msg2134963.html#msg2134963

Thanks @Elderberry! I somehow missed that.  I guess the in house propylene was being used in the coatings somehow.

[Elderberry]

Thanks @Elderberry! I somehow missed that.  I guess the in house propylene was being used in the coatings somehow.

Used to apply the coatings with thermal spray guns.

http://www.gopbriefingroom.com/index.php/topic,390243.0.html

Watson worker injured in blast sues company for negligence
« on: January 31, 2020, 08:57:03 AM »   

Houston Chronicle by  Perla Trevizo Jan. 30, 2020

On Monday, Rangel filed a lawsuit against the company alleging it ignored known safety risks before the massive Jan. 24 explosion, specifically, that it failed to properly maintain and repair equipment and to adequately train or employ individuals.

He seeks more than $1 million in damages including for future and past medical expenses, pain, suffering and mental anguish, as well as past and future wage loss.

Rangel was part of a crew of about a dozen thermal sprayers that used propylene as part of a process to coat metal surfaces to protect them so they last longer in oil field or mining operations.

He still doesn’t know the extent of his injuries. Glass got into his ears and his eyes. Underneath the black patch over his left eye are stitches shutting it close. Doctors need that to heal before they know the extent of the damage.

“My head is pounding,” he said. “I can’t sleep. I see Frankie, I mean … I’m not good.”

More: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Watson-worker-injured-in-blast-sues-company-for-15018379.php

[Bigun]

Used to apply the coatings with thermal spray guns.

http://www.gopbriefingroom.com/index.php/topic,390243.0.html

  Thanks again @Elderberry I guess all this impeachment nonsense had me blinded to such things for awhile.

[Elderberry]

Until this happened I didn't realize that propylene has been replacing acetylene in a lot of torch usages.