Comparative Scale of the Beirut Explosion: Insights from Net Explosive Weight
The Beirut explosion on August 4, 2020, is one of the most devastating incidents of recent memory. But how does the scale of this event compare to other significant explosions that have occurred in the past few years? To answer this question, we can turn to the concept of Net Explosive Weight (NEW), which helps us understand the relative size and impact of these events.
Understanding Net Explosive Weight
Net Explosive Weight (NEW) is a commonly used measure to quantify the destructive potential of explosions. It represents the total weight of the explosive material in an event, regardless of the type of explosives used. This metric allows us to compare explosions across different scenarios, providing an objective measure of their destructive capacity.
Beirut Explosion and Its Context
The Beirut explosion was caused by the spontaneous combustion and subsequent explosion of ammonium nitrate (AN) stored in Beirut's port. The NEW of the Beirut explosion was estimated to be around 2,750 tons. To put this into perspective, let's explore how it compares to other recent significant explosions.
Land Transportation Accidents
According to various studies and reports, land transportation accidents involving lesser quantities of explosives typically run around 50,000 pounds (approximately 25 tons). These incidents, while serious, usually do not cause the extensive damage seen in larger explosions. For example, the Karen’s Energy Fire disaster in Catoosa, Oklahoma, in 2017, involved an estimated 6,000 pounds of fuel, resulting in significant property damage but not the scale seen in Beirut.
Ship-Born Accidents
Ship-born accidents often have a similar NEW range as land transportation accidents. The Forth River turbine accident in 2009, for instance, involved an estimated 1,600 pounds of explosives and resulted in considerable damage. While substantial, it did not reach the scale of the Beirut explosion. Another example is the fire at the MV Salmon River in 2012, involving approximately 2,000 pounds of explosives. The damage was severe, but again, it did not compare to the Beirut tragedy.
Storage Accidents Involving Ammonium Nitrate (AN)
When it comes to storage accidents involving ammonium nitrate (AN), the Beirut explosion stands out as exceptional. AN is a highly reactive explosive that can ignite and explode if not stored correctly. Unlike many other types of explosives, AN can retain its explosive properties even when stored improperly for extended periods. In the case of Beirut, theAN was stored in unventilated containers in the port for years without proper monitoring or maintenance, leading to its catastrophic failure.
The Phrase "Insult Leads to Injury"
When dealing with hazardous materials, the phrase "Insult leads to Injury" is often quoted in training sessions. This saying captures the idea that even small failures or neglect in handling and storing hazardous materials can lead to catastrophic consequences. In the Beirut case, multiple failures to follow proper storage and handling procedures contributed to the disaster. Insufficient ventilation, improper marking, and inadequate safety measures all played a role in the colossal NEW that was ultimately responsible for killing over 200 people and causing widespread devastation.
Conclusion
While the Beirut explosion was larger than most land transportation and ship-born accidents, and significantly more substantial than most storage accidents involving AN, it was still smaller compared to some historical incidents. For instance, the Halifax Explosion of 1917 had a NEW of over 2,900 tons, only slightly outweighing the Beirut explosion. Understanding such comparisons through Net Explosive Weight (NEW) provides valuable insights into the relative scales of these disasters and highlights the importance of strict adherence to storage and handling procedures for hazardous materials.
References
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