Tractor-trailer rig carrying isopropanol overturns in Houston

16 July 2010 00:25  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--A tractor-trailer rig carrying isopropanol (IPA) overturned on Thursday on a major Houston highway, news reports said, snarling traffic for miles as crews moved the flammable chemical to another vehicle.

Rush-hour drivers in Houston were advised to take alternate routes as all lanes of traffic were closed on the 610 North Loop and the US 59 highway on the northeast side of the city.

One motorist said drivers were left “baking on the freeway” as they sought alternate routes.

IPA is an oxygenated solvent used in products including coatings, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, de-icers, resins, food, inks and adhesives.

The primary feedstock for IPA is chemical-grade propylene (CGP). And light steam-cracker feedstocks such as ethane, which yield far less propylene than naphtha or gasoil, account for around 80% of US cracker feeds, sources said.

US IPA suppliers include ExxonMobil, Shell Chemicals, Dow Chemical, Sasol and LyondellBasell.

Additional reporting by Larry Terry

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By: Ben DuBose
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