Sunday 14 October 2012

EXPLOSION IN INDUCTION FURNACE

EXPLOSION IN INDUCTION FURNACE

Electrical induction furnaces are used in foundries to melt metal at @ 1500 °C. In one such factory, explosion took place in molten metal in refractory crucible within the furnace and the red hot molten metal was thrown out and sprayed on the nearby workers. Six were injured of which three died. Similar accidents took place elsewhere also.


 The cause of this accident was breaking of refractory lining from inside, contact of molten metal to the cooling water coil and melting of its wall causing puncture, rushing out water circulating at 60 psi pressure, entry of this water into the red hot metal at 1000 to 1500 "C, immediate steaming and flashing inside the metal resulting into its outbreak. The scenario is very dangerous.

 Safety measures include : Regular checking of refractory lining before each heat for any erosion, cracks, damage etc., relining or patchwork with the best quality ramming material to cover the defect, GLD (ground leak detector) system should be provided to detect the thickness reduction or sudden failure in the lining and trip device to cut off power and to stop the cooling water, ultimately to reduce the water content, though it may damage the costly water coil in want of water when red hot metal touches it. But this can reduce the' severity of the accident. Collection pit should be provided just underneath of the furnace to catch and collect the molten material in the refractory brick work. No workers should be allowed to work in the spread zone near the furnace. This can be achieved by proper layout. Workers to tilt the furnace to unload it, should wear fire retardant helmet and clothing.


1 comment:

  1. Thanks for Providing us Wonderfull information. keep posting these kind of blogs.
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