spontaneous combustion for aluminium powder manufacturer...

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.

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