Technological University of the Philippines

Taguig Campus

2010 Connecticut Power Plant Explosion

A Failure Analysis Report

In partial fulfilment of the requirements in ESS 1

Submitted by:
Group # 1
Dairo, Maricanne G.
Padua, Angelica Rosh G.
Rances, Jason P.
Rodelas, Sharlaine L.
Rubio, Doriel Jake

Submitted to:
Engr. Hinojales

Table of Contents:

I. Abstract

II. What Failed

III. Why it Failed

IV. Possible Corrective Actions

V. Who to blame?

VI. Other factors that caused failure

VII. Conclusion

II. What Failed

The 2010 Connecticut power plant explosion occurred at the Kleen Energy Systems power
station in Middletown, Connecticut, United States at 11:17 am EST on February 7, 2010. The plant had
been under construction from February 2008, and was scheduled to start supplying energy in June 2010.
The initial blast killed five and injured at least fifty; one of the injured later died in hospital,
bringing the total death toll to six. The blast at the 620-megawatt, Siemens combined cycle gas and oil
fired power plant occurred at 11:17 am, and was reported at 11:25 am EST. The plant's manager,
Gordon Holk, said that contractors and other workers from O & G Industries, Ducci Electric, and
Keystone Construction and Maintenance Services were at the site when the blast occurred. The
explosion occurred at the rear of the largest building, the turbine hall, which was destroyed. Some
residents reported "earthquake-like tremors" from at least 10 miles (16 km) away, although the blast
proved not to be seismically detectable. Another resident of the area felt that it was more like a sonic
boom.
"There is no present or continuing threat to anybody from either substances getting into the
atmosphere or of a possible subsequent explosion," Middletown Mayor Sebastian Giuliano said, adding
terrorism has been ruled out.
People miles away reported hearing or feeling the blast:
"It felt like the house was shaking," Peter Moore, who lives about 10 miles away in Durham, told
CNN. He said he thought at first there had been a traffic accident on his street or there was a problem
with his house.
Moore said his mother, who lives in Woodbridge, about 20 miles away from the plant, also said
she heard the explosion, and said it "sounded like someone pounded on the back door a couple of
times."
"It was almost like an earthquake," nearby resident Lynn Townsend told CNN affiliate WTNH.
She said she heard the explosion and went outside to see "a very big, bright orange flame" between the
plant's two smokestacks, and immediately dialed 911.

Sources: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Cable News Network February 8, 2010

III. Why it Failed