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7 80 Dust Explosions in the Process Industries
Figure 2.21 Central part of the silo complex in Tomylovo, USSR, damaged by smoldering gas explo-
sions, 1987-1 989 (Courtesy A. Borisov and B. Celfand, USSR Academy of Science, Moscow).
It was agreed that the use of water to extinguish the smoldering combustion in the silo
cells was not feasible. Limited quantities of water would probably enhance the self-
heating process rather than quench it, whereas use of extensive quantities would increase
the load on the silo walls and cause collapse of the structure.
At one stage, it was discussed whether the whole facility could be blown up to put an
end to the problem. However, this was considered too hazardous. The final solution
chosen was to just leave the entire facility to itself and await a natural termination of the
problem over time.
In addition to obeying the rules specifying which materials can be stored in silos, sys-
tematic use of portable gas analyzers for early detection of hydrogen, methane, and
carbon monoxide in the silo cells was suggested as the best means for preventing simi-
lar accidents in the future.