Loss prevention learnings from Beirut and similar ammonium nitrate explosions. Issue 2 (18th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boeck, Lorenz R.; Mahan, Patrick W.
• Is Part Of: Process safety progress. Volume 41:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 276
• Page End: 282
• Publication Date: 2021-11-18
• Subjects: ammonium nitrate -- explosion -- explosive yield -- loss prevention -- TNT equivalent; Chemical plants -- Management -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1002/prs.12322
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1066-8527

Abstract

Abstract: The recent catastrophic explosion in Beirut highlights how the safe handling and storage of solid ammonium nitrate (AN) is of paramount importance. This article discusses the explosion hazard of solid AN from a fundamental and historical perspective and focuses on the main mechanisms that contributed to past events, including fire, contamination, product degradation, and shock. Critical loss prevention recommendations are summarized, referencing the recent major update to FM Global Loss Prevention Data Sheet 7‐89 from January 2021. Last, a method to predict the explosive yield for explosions of solid AN in storage is presented.