Learning from accidents: investigation and risk analysis of an incident in the transport and storage of monomers

This work presents the analysis of an incident occurred during the transport of divinylbenzene (DVB); the event is investigated by means of experimental analysis and mathematical modelling. The objective of the experimental part is to contribute to the determination of the causes that brought about the self-polymerization of commercial divinylbenzene contained in an isothermal container. Time and conditions during transport/storage of monomers are important factors that affect the self-polymerization aptitude of these substances. The modelling of the incident has been made in order to point out the need of a detailed risk analysis to support emergency management in the transport of hazardous materials. The importance of risk analysis in the transport of dangerous goods has been evidenced by several studies in the last decade, these also showed that in some case the risk associated with the transport of hazardous substances could be comparable to those associated with chemical plants.