Archive for September, 2009
Why is Acetylene part of Group IIC of IEC (Group A of NEC)
Ever wonder why Acetylene is classified under Group IIC of the IEC’s explosive material classification system (equivalent to Group A of the NEC material classification)? Why is it classified as much more explosive as compared to say, Methane?
Rather than launch into the theory of explosivity and other such things, wouldn’t it be nice to watch how a 0.5 gms qty of Acetylene behaves when ignited? Watch the video below.
More information on the reasons of area classification can be understood by downloading the ebook on hazardous area classification here.
Explosion in China while unloading chemicals
Last week a deadly explosion occured while workers were unloading a lacquer-curing agent from a truck at Jinlan Logistics Town in Lanshan District, Linyi.
Seven people died immediately and 11 others died of injuries in hospital. Of those 14 were women. In all it required 26 fire engines and 91 firefightersto put out the blaze. It is now learnt that the lacquer contained xylene and butyl acetate, each both inflammable and poisonous.
It is reported that the owner of the logistics company has been detained by authorities in connection with the incident. However not many details were forthcoming about how the accident happened and whether the fatalities were due to the explosion and fire only, or did the toxic materials play any role as well ?
We can only speculate as generally the authorities in China are tight lipped and only once the official report is released, would we know the exact cause.
