What caused the sugar refinery explosion?

What caused the sugar refinery explosion?

The primary blast occurred inside an unventilated sugar conveyor that allowed sugar dust to build up to “an explosive concentration​”, explained the CSB. An overheated bearing was the likely spark that caused the explosion which triggered further blasts as it travelled into the adjacent packaging facility.

Where is Imperial Sugar now?

Louis Dreyfus acquired Imperial Sugar in 2012 and currently operates a cane sugar refinery at Port Wentworth in Savannah, Ga., and a sugar transfer and liquidation facility in Ludlow, Ky. The transaction includes Imperial Sugar’s consumer-facing sugar brands sold mainly across the southern United States.

How do you prevent sugar dust explosions?

Sugar Dust Explosion Prevention & Protection

  1. Implement appropriately rated rotary air locks.
  2. Implement appropriately designed screw conveyors.
  3. Implement mechanical isolation barriers.
  4. Implement chemical isolation barriers (particularly well suited to large and irregular ducting)

How do you make powdered sugar explode?

Starts here3:15Making A Sugar Fireball! | Earth Lab – YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clip57 second suggested clipAnd did a source of ignition. Which. We had with the blowtorch. And you need an enclosed space notMoreAnd did a source of ignition. Which. We had with the blowtorch. And you need an enclosed space not bad with the old flour. But only a little fireball.

Why is sugar flammable?

Granulated table sugar won’t explode by itself, but it can ignite at high temperatures, depending on the humidity and how quickly it’s heated up. Extreme heat forces sucrose to decompose and form a volatile chemical called hydroxymethylfurfural, which easily ignites and sets the rest of the sugar on fire.

Who owns Imperial Sugar Company?

Louis Dreyfus Company
Louis Dreyfus Company LLC
Imperial Sugar/Parent organizations

Imperial Sugar, the company that made Sugar Land, is being acquired by Louis Dreyfus Commodities for $78 million.

Who owns Dixie Crystal sugar?

Louis Dreyfus Company
Then in 2012, ISC was acquired by Louis Dreyfus Company, a global agricultural merchant and processor. From the beginning, Dixie Crystals has been at the heart of family traditions and celebrations. It is the secret ingredient in family-favorite recipes handed down from one generation to the next.

How can we prevent explosions?

prevent the formation of an explosive atmosphere, including by ventilation. collect, contain and remove any releases to a safe place. avoid ignition sources. avoid adverse conditions (such as exceeding pressure/temperature limits) that could lead to danger.

Is powdered sugar flammable?

Powdered sugar is a highly flammable dust and it can even lead to explosions. It’s made out of exactly the same sugar (sucrose) as the table sugar.

Is sugar more explosive than TNT?

It’s easy to forget that sugar can be an explosive. In fact, it’s four times more powerful weight for weight than TNT.

Does sugar explode?

Granulated table sugar won’t explode by itself, but it can ignite at high temperatures, depending on the humidity and how quickly it’s heated up. (Powdered sugar is marginally more dangerous.)

What happened at the Sugar Refinery explosion of 2008?

The 2008 Georgia sugar refinery explosion was an industrial disaster that occurred on February 7, 2008 in Port Wentworth, Georgia, United States. Fourteen people were killed and forty injured when a dust explosion occurred at a sugar refinery owned by Imperial Sugar.

What happened at the Port Wentworth sugar refinery?

On February 7, 2008, a series of violent explosions devastated a sugar refinery in Port Wentworth, Georgia. Workers inside had little time to escape as pressure waves heaved concrete floors, blasted brick walls, and collapsed stairwells.

What caused the sugar dust explosion at the sugar factory?

Over the years, the facility experienced granulated sugar and powdered sugar fires caused by overheated bearings or electrical devices in the packing building. However, none of these incidents resulted in a devastating sugar dust explosion or major fire before the February 2008 incident.

How did the Chelsea refinery get its name?

The name “Chelsea” was bestowed on the site by the refinery’s first customs officer, who named it after Chelsea in England, his hometown.

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