(a) whether a major blast took place recently at the Chemical Plant at Nuclear Fuel Complex at Hyderabad;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether any enquiry had been ordered into it;
(d) if so, the findings thereof;
(e) whether there was any loss of life;
(f) if so, the details thereof; and
(g) the steps proposed to be taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SMALL SCALE
INDUSTRIES, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS, MINISTER
OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE
IN THE DEPARTMENTS OF ATOMIC ENERGY AND SPACE (SHRIMATI VASUNDHARA RAJE)
(a) A minor blast took place at the chemical plant in Nuclear Fuel Complex at
Hyderabad on 17.11.2002.
(b) This type of Blast is known as `Red Oil Explosion`. Such blasts can take place when over heating occurs and temperature reaches beyond 135oC in the presence of tributyl phosphate and nitric acid both of which are used in uranium refining process.
(c) Yes, Sir.
(d) Report of the inquiry is awaited.
(e) No, Sir.
(f) Does not arise.
(g) Steps have been taken to modify the process to eliminate hazardous thermo syphon evaporation where the temperature may not go beyond 135oC during operation.