Explosion from Iron Powder
Iron powder from non-conducting polypropylene IBC was added to EDTA solution at 60 C in reactor. Hydrogen given off, ignited by static.
Event Date
June 24, 1997
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes (Select all applicable options):
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
mixing reactor
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Operational Condition
Lessons Learned
The process can be improved if the following is considered:Remedial measures - reduce liquid temperature and therefore H2 evolution; feed 25 kg bags via earthed, worm-feed/hopper unit.Use 2 reactors - one for making up warm starter solution and one for pre-mixing iron powder; increasing Nitrogen feed.Altering N2 feed, from sparge ring at reactor base, to directly to top of liquid.
Emergency Action
Emergency action not stated in the report
Emergency Evaluation
The event explosion was ignited by environmental static.
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
Event description provided by HSE, original source confidential