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smandeir  
#1 Posted : 24 May 2023 11:27:44(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
smandeir

I have to produce a DSEAR assessment for a site which melts aluminium blanks and then produces castings from the molten aluminium. I am not really sure what the risks are here. What gases are given off during the process and is anything elese involved such as water getting in to the molten aluminium? I have no idea as it is not a process I am familiar with. Can anyone give me any pointers please?

I have done other DSEAR assessments, but these have been for dusts, paint, and aerosols so I am not really sure where to start on this. 

peter gotch  
#2 Posted : 24 May 2023 13:55:09(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
peter gotch

Hi smandeir

Since you specifically mention molten aluminium rather than aluminium dust, personally I would put DSEAR back on the shelf and assess the risks from first principles.

The potentially lethal risk is molten metal + water = explosion.

The Aluminum Association keeps global stats 2021_Molten_Metal_Incident_Annual_Summary_Report_101821.pdf (aluminum.org) though these are likely to be far less than the true picture as the statistics are the result of voluntary reporting.

But except perhaps in recycling this risk is generally well controlled. Fix the leaks in the roof, preheat the materials to be melted to remove any moisture.

Such precautions might not eliminate water and other contaminants that might cause an explosion, so then you are on to keeping the workers away from the process at more critical times, putting them into molten metal protection etc.

Edited by user 24 May 2023 16:40:03(UTC)  | Reason: Mispelt Aluminum as I am in the UK!

thanks 1 user thanked peter gotch for this useful post.
A Kurdziel on 24/05/2023(UTC)
chris42  
#3 Posted : 24 May 2023 15:41:07(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

Before putting DSEAR away, what is the fuel used for melting the aluminium ? electric or gas or other. NB as above molten aluminium when landing on concrete floor which will have some water content may explode the concrete surface ( not bring building down) and send molten aluminium flying. Which is generally not good.

If it is gas then I guess DSEAR is back.

You did say melting ingots of known alloy opposed to scrap didn’t you!

Chris

Ian Bell2  
#4 Posted : 26 May 2023 09:38:22(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ian Bell2

Agree with others, limited DSEAR risk from smelting aluminium - if any fumes were flammable etc, they will be burnt off in the furnace.

The DSEAR issues are probably around the furnace fuel - if gas and any other ancillary work activities using DSEAR flammable materials.

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