Biodiesel Plant accident explained
Posted By RichC on July 16, 2006
Although I didn’t comment about the explosion and death at a Biodiesel Production Facility in Idaho, I’ve been following this accident on the Biodieselnow forum. The investigation that followed determined that the cause was the use of a torch in attaching a vent pipe onto a tank. The tank contained about “30 to 40 gallons of glycerin and methanol liquid mix.” Methanol, in particular, is extremely flammable and is perhaps the most dangerous ingredient used to produce biodiesel, although glycerin is also a fuel when near flames. According to an article from KTVB’s website, 25-year-old Blaise Black was killed by the explosion after lighting his torch.
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