An unfortunate fire accident has occured at the Indian oil depot at Jaipur.The petroleum Minister Murali Deora was honest and practical in saying that the fire has to die out on its own when the fuel ends.Immediatley all Tv chanels started blaming Deora for government's helplessness to put out the fire.In fact Deora was frank and forthright in saying 'No expert can do anything'.We are not used to such pragmatic and frank comments from ministers.
This is an uncommon fire.A fire of this magnitude has not happened in India before.Neverthless Indian oil authorities are duty bound to have put in place all reasonable precautionary measures to extinguish a fire of this nature.The cause of the fire and failures of IOC personnel are to be probed to prevent recurrence and put in place a fool proof disaster management system.
Experts also feel it is difficult to extinguish fires of this nature because of various factors.The inflammable nature of the patroleum product,abundant supply of the material that would aid combustion,difficulties in accessing the storage tanks,difficulties in co ordination of equipments and fire fighting personnel,make it ardous to extinguish an inferno of this nature.One expert said on occasions like this one can only take steps to ensure 'controlled burning'.This would ensure that the fire does not spread too far.
understand an US company has a patent for an invention to extinguish fires caused by inflammable liquids in storage tanks.
This technique uses the following features.A foam cover is established on the surface of the storage tank.This would extinguish fire,prevent re-ignition and burn back.An inert gas like CO2 is first pumped in to the tank.Fluid flow is established in to the tank from the bottom of the tank.Water is pumped in to the tank.A foam concentrate is added to the water.A mixture of CO2,foam concentrate and water from the bottom of the tank produce gas bubbles.The gas filled foam bubbles are carried to the surface of the burning liquid by the flammable liquid.The inert gas escapes there and snuff the flame.The foam spreads a layer rapidly to prevent burning back.
The required apparatus for the injection of the foam filled gas and water are to be installed at the site of the storage tanks and operated during such exigencies to put out fires of this nature.
The required apparatus for the injection of the foam filled gas and water are to be installed at the site of the storage tanks and operated during such exigencies to put out fires of this nature.
One hopes at least after this mishap,authorities concerned would take steps to implement ways and means to fight fire of this scale in storage tanks.The environment pollution caused by this massive fire and its after effects on people living in close proximity to the area of fire would be another concern for the government.It is estimated,the loss to the nation because of this fire would run in to billions.Considering that, it would only be prudent to invest in safety precautions and prevent recurrence.
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