Explosion in the Furnace of a Graphite Manufacturing Plant
In a graphite purification workshop, the cooling circuit of an electric furnace leaks, the water decomposes in contact with materials heated to a temperature of 1,800C; the gas mixture (hydrogen, air...) explodes. The carbon contained in the furnace is dispersed and ignites.
Event Date
September 17, 1995
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Cause Comments
Immediate cause was the leaking of water into the high temperature reactor, which brought to water thermolysis.Nothing is known on the reason for the leak.
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
graphite purification reactor
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Pre-event Summary
The graphite purification reactor was operating at 1800 C when water from the cooling circuit leaked into it.
Consequences
Number of Injured Persons
7
Number of Fatalities
7
Currency
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
According to the source, the cooling circuit had been tested successfully at an over-pressure of 20 bar higher for 2 hours. Although improvements are not reported by the source, the most obvious action to perform to prevent further occurring of this type of event is to improve the testing procedures of the cooling circuit.
Event Nature
Emergency Action
The local residents alert the fire brigade. The fire is extinguished with powder (including carbon).
Release Type
Release Substance
Ignition Source
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
Description of the event in the French database ARIA
https://www.aria.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/accident/10466/
(accessed September 2020)