During the start-up of a chemical plant, one of the final steps before introducing the process chemicals is a steam-out procedure. Essentially, this step involves filling all the equipment with low-pressure steam and leaving it for a period of time in order to clean the equipment. During one such steam-out, in a plant in Wisconsin, a vessel was accidentally isolated from other equipment and left to stand overnight. Upon inspection the following morning, it was found that this vessel had ruptured.

The company responsible for the design of the plant claimed that the design was not at fault and cited a similar situation that occurred at a plant in Southern California in which no damage to the vessel was seen to occur.

From the above information can you explain what happened? What would you suggest be done in the future in order to ensure that this problem does not reoccur?