Chemical Plant Explosion and Fire in Georgia…

[GodFearinGunTotin]

This is not good.

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

 

[d.kaufman]

Not good, especially for anyone down wind

 

[Wolfhound]

Not good, especially for anyone down wind

I’ll take phosgene gas for 100.

 

[stevezx2]

Why would you use a water based fire suppression system in a building that contains water reactive chemicals? That really seems like poor planning.

 

[d.kaufman]

Why would you use a water based fire suppression system in a building that contains water reactive chemicals? That really seems like poor planning.

 

[Wolfhound]

Why would you use a water based fire suppression system in a building that contains water reactive chemicals? That really seems like poor planning.

Probably because the fire code mandates it sadly.

 

[stevezx2]

Probably because the fire code mandates it sadly.

There are plenty of chemical based systems or dry foam systems that would be a much safer solution in a facility that water would actually cause a fire/ explosion. I'm sure the fire Marshall would pass a system like that knowing the possible consequences.

 

[TheGrumpyGuy]

There are plenty of chemical based systems or dry foam systems that would be a much safer solution in a facility that water would actually cause a fire/ explosion. I'm sure the fire Marshall would pass a system like that knowing the possible consequences.

^^^^ THIS ^^^^

 

[TheGrumpyGuy]

Who made the decision to cut corners for a few $ savings?

 

[indyblue]

I would expect to plant like that to have an inert gas suppression system similar to what is used in IT data centers.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

I would expect to plant like that to have an inert gas suppression system similar to what is used in IT data centers.

Halon?

 

[Wolfhound]

There are plenty of chemical based systems or dry foam systems that would be a much safer solution in a facility that water would actually cause a fire/ explosion. I'm sure the fire Marshall would pass a system like that knowing the possible consequences.

I actually know quite a bit about this stuff although my knowledge is somewhat dated. If it occurred in a warehouse type area sprinklers are the required norm. If it was some sort of specialized storage or manufacturing then a gas system might be effective. I am not aware of any foam systems that are not water based. Perhaps a dry chemical system.

 

[Wolfhound]

Halon?

The government outlawed halon systems except for government use. Unless that has changed. There are some equivalent systems out there.

 

[actaeon277]

Halon is being phased out.
No more new halon systems.

Halons Program | US EPA

Learn about EPA's effort to address ozone layer depletion by establishing installation, handling, and emissions requirements for halon fire suppression systems.

www.epa.gov

 

[Cameramonkey]

Probably because the fire code mandates it sadly.

This. I work for a life safety company. Sometimes the dictate it no matter what, even if its a bad idea based on whats inside.

There is an asphalt plant here in town like that. Cold water on hot chemicals is a bad idea. But the fire inspectors insist. "because code"

One size fits all, folks.

 

[stevezx2]

I work in a giant freezer where our fire suppression is filled with compressed air. We also have a heat sensitive wire that zig zags throughout the room. For our sprinkler system to release water we have to have the air system to loose pressure indicating a tripped sprinkler head and the heat sensitive wire must also have a break. It's a failsafe that prevents unwanted water in the pipes which leads to immediate ice everywhere. Something like this could have helped the situation.

 

[actaeon277]

I've had to deal with water systems, dry chem systems, and halon.

Between hot liquid steel, and soldering/welding in control rooms needing to be isolated...

 

[actaeon277]

This. I work for a life safety company. Sometimes the dictate it no matter what, even if its a bad idea based on whats inside.

There is an asphalt plant here in town like that. Cold water on hot chemicals is a bad idea. But the fire inspectors insist. "because code"

One size fits all, folks.

That's our government.
Looking out for us.

 

[bgcatty]

Man, between the hurricane and this plant explosion, Georgia just can’t seem to catch a break! Wow!