Event
- Event ID
- 900
- Quality
- Description
- The fire broke out on a worm ("vis sans fin") supplying a conveyor of aluminium.
The ignition of the powder on the ground was caused by the flame cutting operation on the worm shell which generated scales. The incandescent aluminium dust has been then swept by the wind spread to the atomisation tunnels, the sewers and a lost well.
The dust and hydrogen formed upon contact with water caused four violent explosions.
The fire spread to a stock of auminium powder stored in bags and drums. - Event Initiating system
- Classification of the physical effects
- Hydrogen Release and Ignition
- Nature of the consequences
- Macro-region
- Europe
- Country
- France
- Date
- Root causes
- Root CAUSE analysis
- INITIATING cause was (maintenance?) work at the transportation system.
ROOT CAUSE is unknown, but the absence of the proper risk assessment during mechanical work at the system has plaid a role.
Facility
- Application
- Steel And Metals Industry
- Sub-application
- generic metal processing
- Hydrogen supply chain stage
- All components affected
- Aluminium production, aluminium powder conveyor
- Location type
- Unknown
- Location description
- Industrial Area
- Operational condition
- Pre-event occurrences
- This event does not belong to the hydrogen value chain.
Accidental production of hydrogen was caused by the ignition of Al [powder and its subsequent coming in contact with water. The oxidation reaction of Al + H2O has caused the production and consequent ignition of H2.
Emergency & Consequences
- Number of injured persons
- 0
- Number of fatalities
- 0
- Post-event summary
- Release of Al powder to the environment
Event Nature
- Release type
- gas-solid mixture
- Involved substances (% vol)
- H2,
Al dust - Presumed ignition source
- Open flame
References
- Reference & weblink
ARIA event 8966<br />
https://www.aria.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/accident/8966/<br />
(accessed August 2020)
JRC assessment
- Sources categories
- ARIA
