Hydrogen Explosion Due to Over-Dosage of Natron Lye in Silicon Dust Container
An over-dosage of natron lye in a silicon dust suspension container raised the ph-value up to 11, producing large amounts of hydrogen in a short time. The hydrogen caused an extreme pressure increase in the container which consequently burst. The expanded hydrogen ignited immediately on contact with the atmosphere.The explosion destroyed and blew away plant parts (containers, ceilings, supports) causing damage in the surroundings.
Event Date
June 24, 2005
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
silicon dust container
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Operational Condition
Consequences
Number of Injured Persons
2
Number of Fatalities
1
Event Nature
Emergency Action
The onsite fire brigade arrived on the scene immediately after the explosion. They first searched for injured persons and did a headcount to check that everyone from in and around the plant was accounted for. The emergency response control centre also requested the intervention of an emergency doctor and ambulances. Smaller cable fires in the plant were extinguished from turntable ladders.Measuring vehicles were unable to determine the concentration of toxic substances.The police provided assistance and checked the application of pollution control measures.The extinguishing water was channelled to the internal clarification plant for treatment.
Release Type
Release Substance
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
Event description in the European database eMARS
https://emars.jrc.ec.europa.eu/en/emars/accident/view/4185fec7-e046-34f…
(accessed December 2020)