Compounds & Catalysts
Chemical plants are notorious for the high risk they impose on workers
and residents in close proximity to plants and refineries. The very nature
of the work involves the meticulous mixture of different chemical elements
to produce practical compounds used in everyday activities. The plants
are the location where these elements are brought together and combined
to produce these chemical compounds. The chemicals handled on these plants
are highly reactive, which means that they are to be handled with the
utmost care and training. These compounds often act as a catalyst in causing
an explosive reaction, which can mean devastation and catastrophe for
anyone within close proximity.
Common Compounds at Industrial Chemical Plants
One of the most applicable elements is nitrogen. Nitrogen is found in compounds
around an ordinary home, manufacturing warehouse, and agricultural field.
The uses of nitrogen are endless and it is undoubtedly one of the most
necessary elements found on this planet. In particular, nitrogen is found
in many of the most important industrial compounds such as ammonia, nitric
acid, propellants, and explosives. Synthetic chemicals such as ammonium
nitrate are key elements found in industrial fertilizers; their use is
largely due to the chemical structure of nitrogen.
Along with the practical uses of nitrogen, scientists have found that nitrogen's
uniquely strong bond of atoms makes it difficult to split the molecule.
However, that forceful split creates massive amounts of often useful energy
when the compounds are converted back into nitrogen gas. These conversions
and productions are some of the processes that take place at the most
common chemical plants and can include the use of other reactive chemicals
such as ammonium nitrate, phosphorus, and potassium,. However, because
of the sensitivity of the compounds and elements being handled, such as
nitrate gases, one slight factor can quickly precipitate an unforeseen
explosive catastrophe.
Chemical Explosion Catalysts
A chemical explosion is the result of applying external force to a chemical
compound which then causes the compound to undergo a structural change,
releasing high amounts of heat and gas. The force applied to cause the
explosion is known as a catalyst. While catalysts are utilized to force
the processing or production of new chemical compounds, catalysts can
also cause unintended explosive reactions through actions that may accidentally
accelerate.
Catalysis, the process of accelerating a chemical reaction, can be unintentionally
caused at a chemical plant by poorly maintained equipment, an unclean
work environment, or simply negligent behavior. When the equipment used
to produce and process these chemical compounds is not properly cleaned,
foreign elements can easily skew the process and cause a chemical accident.
Furthermore, contaminated air in the plant warehouse itself can serve
as a catalyst when the elements in the contaminated air combine with the
chemicals being produced on the plant. The workers play a key role in
promoting safety but one negligent act, such as an improperly discarded
cigarette, can set off a destructive event.
Arnold & Itkin LLP: Plant Explosion Attorneys
While chemical compounds are an undeniable part of private and scientific
life, those trusted with the production and processing of the compounds
are expected to exercise the utmost care in every avenue of their field.
If you or a loved one was injured in a chemical accident,
contact a plant explosion attorney immediately. At Arnold and Itkin, LLP, our
industrial accident attorneys are prepared to investigate the circumstances of the accident to determine
who or what is liable for the injuries it caused. We can inform you on
the process and options for seeking compensation.
T o learn more about how we can help you or to schedule a
free case evaluation , contact our office today.