Smelt-Water Explosions at Pulp Mill
Incident Investigation
Smelt-Water Explosions at Pulp Mill
December 13, 2022
Boiler, PV and Refrigeration
Reference Number:
II-1484979-2022 (#30753)
Location: Prince George
Regulated industry sector: Boilers, PV & refrigeration - Boiler and pressure vessel system
Incident Overview
A recovery boiler at a kraft pulp mill had been operating at a high rate of gas firing for an extended time, with no black liquor. An operator tried to open a plugged spout with a torch, resulting in water and smelt explosions.