What caused the explosion at Imperial sugar refinery?
The explosion was fueled by massive accumulations of combustible sugar dust throughout the packaging building.
What were the problems faced by Imperial sugar after the explosion at the company’s refinery at Port Wentworth?
The company hoped to recycle the product for ethanol production. In the first quarter of 2008, Imperial posted a $15.5 million loss, which they said was primarily due to the explosion. Port Wentworth suffered an economic depression after the accident, with local businesses losing many customers.
When did Imperial sugar close?
2003
The Sugar Land facility closed in 2003, and in 2010, the two former factory buildings were demolished as plans to redevelop the property into residences, businesses, and parkland started. Imperial continues to operate mills in other states including Louisiana and Georgia.
How do Flour Mills explode?
What Causes Flour Mill Explosions? Flour dust combined with factors like an ignition source, confined space, dispersion and oxygen are the main culprits behind flour dust explosions. As such, flour dust acts as a fuel source when mixed with oxygen which can result in a fire when confined in a limited space.
What would have prevented the sugar explosion at the Imperial Sugar refinery?
Last year’s deadly explosion at the Imperial Sugar Port Wentworth refinery fuelled by a build up of sugar dust in the packing plant was “entirely preventable” said the US Chemical Safety Board.
Where is Imperial Sugar now?
Louis Dreyfus acquired Imperial Sugar in 2012 and currently operates a cane sugar refinery at Port Wentworth in Savannah, Ga., and a sugar transfer and liquidation facility in Ludlow, Ky. The transaction includes Imperial Sugar’s consumer-facing sugar brands sold mainly across the southern United States.
Where is Imperial Sugar located now?
Imperial Sugar is a major U.S. sugar producer and marketer based in Sugar Land, Texas, with sugar refinery operations in California, Georgia, and Louisiana. The company was established in 1843 and has undergone ownership changes multiple times.
Can you set fire to flour?
No. Flour should NEVER be used to extinguish a grease fire. It could be ignited, making matters worse. Baking powder and baking soda are NOT the same thing, and like flour, will make a fire worse.
Why is flour so flammable?
Flour grains are so tiny that they burn instantly. When one grain burns, it lights other grains near it, and the flame front can flash through a dust cloud with explosive force. A spark or a source of heat ignited the dust in the air and it exploded.
Can sugar catch fire?
Granulated table sugar won’t explode by itself, but it can ignite at high temperatures, depending on the humidity and how quickly it’s heated up. Extreme heat forces sucrose to decompose and form a volatile chemical called hydroxymethylfurfural, which easily ignites and sets the rest of the sugar on fire.
How much is Imperial Sugar worth?
Imperial Sugar, the company that made Sugar Land, is being acquired by Louis Dreyfus Commodities for $78 million.
Who makes Imperial Sugar?
Louis Dreyfus Co.
from Louis Dreyfus Co. as the two companies entered into a definitive agreement announced on March 24. Louis Dreyfus acquired Imperial Sugar in 2012 and currently operates a cane sugar refinery at Port Wentworth in Savannah, Ga., and a sugar transfer and liquidation facility in Ludlow, Ky.
What happened at Imperial Sugar’s Georgia refinery?
As we continue our after-action reviews of historical events that have impacted the industrial fire service, the 2008 explosion at Imperial Sugar’s Georgia refinery is one that deserves special attention. On Feb. 7 of that year, a sugar dust explosion in Port Wentworth claimed 14 lives and injured 38 others.
How many people died in the Sugar Refinery explosion in 2003?
Fourteen people were killed and forty injured when a dust explosion occurred at a sugar refinery owned by Imperial Sugar. Dust explosions had been an issue of concern among United States authorities since three fatal accidents in 2003, with efforts made to improve safety and reduce the risk of recurrence.
What happened at the Port Wentworth sugar refinery?
Aerial view of the damage to the refinery. The 2008 Georgia sugar refinery explosion was an industrial disaster that occurred on February 7, 2008, in Port Wentworth, Georgia, United States. Fourteen people were killed and forty injured when a dust explosion occurred at a sugar refinery owned by Imperial Sugar.
What was the result of the 2008 Savannah Refinery explosion?
Investigation Status: The CSB’s final report was released at a public meeting in Savannah, GA on September 24, 2009. On February 7, 2008, a huge explosion and fire occurred at the Imperial Sugar refinery northwest of Savannah, Georgia, causing 14 deaths and injuring 38 others, including 14 with serious and life-threatening burns.