WILMINGTON, OH - Combustible dust played a roll in the March 29 fire that caused approximately $350,000 in damage at TimberTech, according to a report by the Willmette News Journal.
The plant was back in production the following day.
According to the Journal, the company uses wood flour to produce composite decking, railing and fencing products. Investigators said there was a fire in a wood flour dryer and separator, as well as in a bagging unit, a storage bin and ductwork.
“From what we can tell, there were a couple minor explosions, that’s the way it looks anyway. The explosions were coming from the ductwork. It appears they [explosions] were coming from over-pressurization, or the particulate reached an ignition temperature and was flashing,” the fire chief said.
The paper noted that several water sprinklers activated to help suppress the fires and firefighters put them out. TimberTech reportedly had a similar type fire about six years ago.
Read more.
The plant was back in production the following day.
According to the Journal, the company uses wood flour to produce composite decking, railing and fencing products. Investigators said there was a fire in a wood flour dryer and separator, as well as in a bagging unit, a storage bin and ductwork.
“From what we can tell, there were a couple minor explosions, that’s the way it looks anyway. The explosions were coming from the ductwork. It appears they [explosions] were coming from over-pressurization, or the particulate reached an ignition temperature and was flashing,” the fire chief said.
The paper noted that several water sprinklers activated to help suppress the fires and firefighters put them out. TimberTech reportedly had a similar type fire about six years ago.
Read more.
Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.