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.