INFORMATION

2014-07-02 17:19:00
Metal stumping factory in General Motors, Indiana USA, was exploded and one person killed

Metal stumping factory in General Motors, Indiana USA, was exploded and one person killed due to chlorine related chemicals etc. July 1, 2014

 

We extend our deepest condolences to a victim and his/her family. 

 

Some media said that chlorine chemical was Chlorine Dioxides.

http://www.wthr.com/story/25917537/2014/07/01/injuries-reported-in-explosion-at-marion-general-motors-plant

 

  • Please review your manufacturing processes to avoid any repetition.

  • HS-TECH ENGINEERING is able to simulate explosion in a confined or semi-confined sapace, using fluidyn VENTEX, a 3D simulation software.

 

 

[NOTE]

 

Characteristics of Chlorine Dioxide from Source A

Chlorine Dioxide is a powerful OXIDIZER and EXPLOSIVES on contact with CARBON MONOOXIDE, HYDROCARBONS, AMINES, MERCURY, ORGANUC MATERIALS, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, PHOSPHORUS, CHLORINE, SULFUR, HEAT, METALS and ALCOHOLS.

Chlorine Dioxide is sensitive to SHOCK and FRICTION and unstable in LIGHT and SUNLIGHT.

 

Storage of Chlorine Dioxide from Source B 

Fiberglass Reinforced vinyl ester Plastic (FRP) or High Density Linear Polyethylene (HDLPE) tanks　with no internal insulation or heat probes are recommended for bulk storage of 25 to 38 percent solution sodium chlorite.

 

Storage and chlorine dioxide systems typically include the following;

 

  • Avoid storage and handling of combustible or reactive materials, such as acids or organic materials, in the sodium chlorite area.

  • Inert material should be used in contact with the strong oxidizing and/or acid solutions involved in chlorine dioxide systems. 

  • Chlorine dioxide solution concentrations below about 10 g/L will not produce sufficiently high vapor pressures to present an explosion hazard under most ambient conditions of temperature and pressure.

  • Adequate ventilation and air monitoring. 

  • Air contact with chlorine dioxide solutions should be controlled to limit the potential for explosive concentrations possibly building up within the generator.

  • Chlorine dioxide concentrations in air higher than 8 to 10 percent volume should be avoided. Two methods can be applied: operation under vacuum or storage under higher positive pressure (45 to 75 psig) to prevent buildup of gas-phase ClO2 in the head space. Bulk storage (batch) tanks containing ClO2 should be suitably vented to atmosphere.