The Telegraph 18 April 2013 at 14:20
What could have caused the explosion? Tom Clarke, Channel 4 News's science editor looks at the ammonia:
The tanks of anhydrous ammonia at the West plant would have stored the liquid under high pressure. As a result of the fire, these tanks could rupture catastrophically causing a blast, says Prof Andrea Sella, a chemist at University College London.
However, video of the explosion, suggests the blast was much more violent than would be expected from a perssurised tank failing. "It looks to be a supersonic blast more likely to result from a detonation event," says Sella.
Another common type of fertiliser - ammonium nitrate - is notoriously explosive. It has caused some of the worst industrial accidents in history as well as being a favourite of home bomb makers.
What could have caused the explosion? Tom Clarke, Channel 4 News's science editor looks at the ammonia:
The tanks of anhydrous ammonia at the West plant would have stored the liquid under high pressure. As a result of the fire, these tanks could rupture catastrophically causing a blast, says Prof Andrea Sella, a chemist at University College London.
However, video of the explosion, suggests the blast was much more violent than would be expected from a perssurised tank failing. "It looks to be a supersonic blast more likely to result from a detonation event," says Sella.
Another common type of fertiliser - ammonium nitrate - is notoriously explosive. It has caused some of the worst industrial accidents in history as well as being a favourite of home bomb makers.
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