Explosion causes minor damage...

Here is a story of a molten metal explosion which resulted in a fire. No other hazard has such a prolonged effect on the aluminium industry in terms injuries and loss of production as do molten aluminium explosions. Here is the story:

An explosion in a smelter furnace at an aluminium plant that happened around 10 p.m. during the week of March 2, 2014 which caused some damage at the facility in the Midwest United States.

Aluminium company spokesperson said, "The explosion resulted in a small fire that was extinguished by plant personnel before the fire department arrived."

While one employee required some minor first aid treatment, there were no serious injuries reported. There was damage to a front-end loader and the furnace.

Personnel from the local Fire Department responded and information from the department said the blast was caused by a reaction of moisture with the molten metal.

Aluminium company spokesperson said, "We do expect to have the furnace back up and running by later (next day)."

Production quickly resumed following the incident; employees used the other furnaces in the plant.

No disruption in service to customers was anticipated.

The plant provides molten aluminum alloy to auto manufacturing plants in the Midwest.

Aluminium company spokesperson added, "We thank the fire department for their prompt response and are proud of our employees for following the appropriate emergency and safety procedures to promptly contain the situation."

Contact with water, contaminants, and many chemical substances can result in an explosion which vary in the range of destruction that can result.

The Aluminum Association (USA) has a great document called "Guidelines for Handling Molten Aluminium", which can be found here. 

As well as another document dealing with scrap "Guidelines for Aluminum Scrap Receiving and Inspection Based on Safety & Health Considerations", which can be found here.

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