November 28, 2010

Static electricity and explosives

An article in the Times of India mentions the following about the recent blast in the cordite factory at Ooty:"factory staff suggest that mere "human vibrations" are enough to trigger a calamity in the highly explosive environment of the dough making unit....At the 13 by 13 feet at the incorporation unit where the blast occurred, earth plates and poles have been positioned for the workers to release their "vibrations" after they perform every small task."
Apparently the "human vibrations" they are talking about is nothing but static electricity. A static discharge spark can readily detonate primary explosives. From the article, all measures to avoid static electricity generation were reportedly taken. It will be good if the investigation team shares reasons on what caused the accident without breaching confidentiality as it is a defense unit.
Read the Times of India article in this link.

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