An industrial accident - the NDK crystal plant explosion of 2009
They are finally setting some standards for operations like this.
This video gives an overview of what was being done and what happened:
When they talk about high pressures and temperatures, they mean 30,000 PSI and 700�F.
Since NDK essentially ignored all recommendations, their insurance company is declining payment of their claim -- good on them. A perfect case of where bad management trumps good engineering.
More at the
U.S. Chemical Safety Board website.
The final report (PDF) is here:
NDK Crystal, Inc., Belvidere, IL - High-Pressure Vessel Rupture. Makes for sobering reading.
Posted by DaveH at November 24, 2013 5:04 PM