(Ed.'s Note: When SpaceX was trying to get the FAA approval on its Environmental Impact Statement, company boosters like Gilbert Salinas, a VP for the Brownsville Economic Development Council (BEDC), said the chemicals used on the prototypes were "like the kerosene you use in the lantern when you go camping."
We know, of course, that that is not true. But now, with the failure yesterday of the cyrogenic loading test, involved filling the methane and oxygen tanks with a cryogenic liquid, the thing has gotten serious. The chemicals in the cryogenic liquid spilled over the surrounding atmosphere and were carried by strong winds (17 to 23 mph) across the wetlands and the nearby Laguna Madre which is a nursery for all kinds of marine and shore species, including shrimp, redfish, and endangered birds and turtles. The there are the residents living on Kopernik Shores downwind...
These are not pretty clouds drifting out across the landscape. They are very dangerous chemicals drenching the wetlands. What have we done to the once pristine public Boca Chica Beach?)
SpaceX’s first full-scale Starship prototype – Mk1 – has experienced a failure at its Boca Chica test site in southern Texas. The failure occurred late in the afternoon on Wednesday, midway through a test of the vehicle’s propellant tanks.
As of a few weeks ago, the Mk1 Starship – which was shown off to the world in September as part of SpaceX’s and Elon Musk’s presentation of the design changes to the Starship system – was to fly the first 20 km test flight of the program in the coming weeks.
The main event of today, the Mk1 Starship's first cyrogenic loading test, involved filling the methane and oxygen tanks with a cryogenic liquid.
During the test, the top bulkhead of the vehicle ruptured and was ejected away from the site, followed by a large cloud of vapors and cryogenic liquid from the tank.
The top bulkhead was seen landing nearby, but its precise location is unknown.
The bottom tank bulkhead appeared to fail as well. A second cloud of vapor appeared out of the base of the vehicle at the same time that the top ruptured – signaling that the entire internal tank structure may have failed.
As of a few weeks ago, the Mk1 Starship – which was shown off to the world in September as part of SpaceX’s and Elon Musk’s presentation of the design changes to the Starship system – was to fly the first 20 km test flight of the program in the coming weeks.
The main event of today, the Mk1 Starship's first cyrogenic loading test, involved filling the methane and oxygen tanks with a cryogenic liquid.
During the test, the top bulkhead of the vehicle ruptured and was ejected away from the site, followed by a large cloud of vapors and cryogenic liquid from the tank.
The top bulkhead was seen landing nearby, but its precise location is unknown.
The bottom tank bulkhead appeared to fail as well. A second cloud of vapor appeared out of the base of the vehicle at the same time that the top ruptured – signaling that the entire internal tank structure may have failed.
From the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety:
Extreme Cold Hazard
Cryogenic liquids and their associated cold vapors and gases can produce effects on the skin similar to a thermal burn. Brief exposures that would not affect skin on the face or hands can damage delicate tissues such as the eyes. Prolonged exposure of the skin or contact with cold surfaces can cause frostbite. The skin appears waxy yellow. There is no initial pain, but there is intense pain when frozen tissue thaws.
Unprotected skin can stick to metal that is cooled by cryogenic liquids. The skin can then tear when pulled away. Even non-metallic materials are dangerous to touch at low temperatures. Prolonged breathing of extremely cold air may damage the lungs.
Asphyxiation Hazard
When cryogenic liquids form a gas, the gas is very cold and usually heavier than air. This cold, heavy gas does not disperse very well and can accumulate near the floor. Even if the gas is non-toxic, it displaces air. When there is not enough air or oxygen, asphyxiation and death can occur. Oxygen deficiency is a serious hazard in enclosed or confined spaces.
Small amounts of liquid can evaporate into very large volumes of gas. For example, one litre of liquid nitrogen vapourizes to 695 litres of nitrogen gas when warmed to room temperature (21°C).
When cryogenic liquids form a gas, the gas is very cold and usually heavier than air. This cold, heavy gas does not disperse very well and can accumulate near the floor. Even if the gas is non-toxic, it displaces air. When there is not enough air or oxygen, asphyxiation and death can occur. Oxygen deficiency is a serious hazard in enclosed or confined spaces.
Small amounts of liquid can evaporate into very large volumes of gas. For example, one litre of liquid nitrogen vapourizes to 695 litres of nitrogen gas when warmed to room temperature (21°C).
Toxic Hazards
Each gas can cause specific health effects. For example, liquid carbon monoxide can release large quantities of carbon monoxide gas, which can cause death almost immediately. Refer to the material safety data sheet for information about the toxic hazards of a particular cryogen.
Each gas can cause specific health effects. For example, liquid carbon monoxide can release large quantities of carbon monoxide gas, which can cause death almost immediately. Refer to the material safety data sheet for information about the toxic hazards of a particular cryogen.
11 comments:
Progress comes with a price. Mexicans stay Mexicans cause they don't want to pay it, Montoya.
juan se revento el pedo
Rocketry and the moving of LNG are two different things, moron!
Do they have any running fresh water supply on the site? One would think that would be mandatory for a potential explosive operation such as this. Do they pump sea-water or river water for emergency situations. To my knowledge there is no running fresh water in the area.
If your nose falls off and your ears disappears who do you sue? LNG, SpaceX, cob and county??? Need to know just in case!
Trump is the most dishonest and most corrupt President in history. Add that to most incompetent and most mean-spirited.
You're no expert o any of this, Montoya! Get a grip. Scaring people helps no one. Where is Cape Kennedy in Florida? On a once-pristine piece of oceanfront. Progress is at hand!
Worse fears:
1.They close the HEB
2. No more food stamps
3. The cowboys win
It looks like we got a looser. Meanwhile ....
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/11/21/Boeings-Starliner-capsule-rolls-out-for-first-spaceflight/1601574280406/?ls=4
10:37 a.m. congressman Vela, you would hate God if he was POTUS. Sad state of affairs when Vela represents himself and Nancy Pelosi only. He just wants to look good dress up as Satan.
Oil companies do the same on winding days. They cannot burn enough h2s, so they blast the flares on winding days.
Post a Comment