Blowdown stack

A blowdown stack is a chimney or vertical stack that is used to vent the pressure of components of a chemical, refinery or other process if there is a process problem or emergency. A blowdown stack can be used to complement a flare stack or as an alternative. The purpose is to prevent 'loss of containment' of volatile liquids and gasses.

Additional recommended knowledge

Daily Sensitivity Test

Recognize and detect the effects of electrostatic charges on your balance

What is the Correct Way to Check Repeatability in Balances?

The failure of the blowdown stack to contain hydrocarbons vented from a raffinate splitter led to a catastrophic explosion at the Texas City Refinery (BP) in 2005.