The production of aluminium fines and powders is very hazardous. On a
daily basis the manufacturers of these products mitigate their unique hazards
on a daily basis. Unfortunately, on occasion an incident occurs. Here is a
recent story:
Fire at the company in Europe in the night at 2.05 clock the alarm was
triggered because after a spontaneous combustion in a production facility, in
which aluminum is processed, a machine has burned.
"Our safety
precautions and measures have worked flawlessly," said company spokesman. The
safety flap of the machine has opened, allowing pressure to escape. The plant
was flooded by the operating staff with protective gas. Police and fire
department were immediately on site. The fire was secured by several fire
brigades from the neighborhood, whose operation was terminated at 4.30 clock. Because
of the strong heat and the refueling tendency of the aluminum, the machine had
to be burned in a controlled manner. The fire is shut off and is monitored by
the operating staff, the system has now largely cooled.
"There was no danger to people and the environment at any time," it
says from the company headquarters. The property damage amounts to
approximately 5000 euros at the building as well as to approximately 40,000
euros for the complete electrics and electronics of the aggregate.
The Aluminium Plant
Safety Blog is thankful no one was injured in this incident. Aluminium
companies could look upon these buildings and machinery/equipment designs that
the aluminium powder manufacturers use for inspiration.
We have noticed a
recent disturbing trend on greenfield projects. The design of the buildings are
tight like a drum. When an explosion occurs the explosive force has nowhere to
go but bounce around inside. It makes no sense. Our industry only has to look
upon the past and see how aluminium companies designed buildings. Casthouses,
production facilities, etc were built with fiberglass windows on the sheeting.
Why? Because they could easily blow out if an explosion occurred. We have
visited numerous greenfield casthouses and production facilities that have no
blow out sides. They should.
Please comment.
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