Korean News Media Reported

Diborane Explosions, Korea

April 1, 2022

Large explosion sounds along with green flashes in the factory building. The explosion, which is strong enough for CCTV of buildings 100 metres outside, lasts four times in 20 minutes.

Impacts can also cause building debris to bounce into the air. The accident occurred at a specialty gases producer in Samsung-myeon Industrial Park in Boeun-gun, Chungbuk.

The site is littered with factory roofs and exterior wall debris, so you can feel the power of the explosion.

The special gas that caused the explosion was called ‘Diborane', known as a toxic gas that causes pneumonia and pulmonary edema.

In particular, the air's contact with the air caused the fire crews to delay entry and increase tensions at the scene immediately after the accident.

Corporation, have entered into an investigation into the exploded gas production facilities.

[Cheongwangsu/Kumgang Oil and Environment Agency caused the diborane gas to be flammable..."]

Fortunately, the plant Accident Response Team: "As a gas produced through a synthetic purification process, the explosion caused by an unknown explosion t was equipped with anti-explosion protection and did not lead to a major fire.

Before the plant was up and running, there was no casualty.

Fire authorities put in more than 50 personnel and 30 units of equipment to end safety measures in two and a half hours.

[Jeon Seok-hwa/Chungbuk Boeun Station Disaster Response Department: "There is a possibility that the ‘Diborane' gas in the staying air may have leaked slightly, and a number of (causes are being investigated) such as poor cylinder side."]

Authorities, including the Gas Safety Corporation, have entered into an investigation into the exploded gas production facilities

The releases and explosions were significant. They definitely were diborane as evidenced by the green flames. They clearly did not have explosion relief panels based on the damage that occurred with the room and building which was mostly destroyed.

This remined me of an 2001 incident where a 15% B2H6/H2 mixture was released in a room. Since it was lighter than air it accumulated in the ceiling. It hydrolyzed quickly to form 3 H2’s. Since it is also pyrophoric a delayed ignition occurred that destroyed the room and blew out windows in a warehouse 100 ft away.

Eugene Ngai

Chemically Speaking LLC

www.chemicallyspeakingllc.com