In a tragic incident that occurred early on the 3rd in Dehui City, Jilin Province, a poultry company suffered a devastating fire. According to reports from the Fire Department of the Ministry of Public Security, the accident was triggered by a leak. The substance involved was ammonia (NH₃), commonly known as anhydrous ammonia, which is produced by pressurizing or cooling ammonia gas. Widely used in industrial applications, ammonia is highly corrosive and volatile, making it prone to serious chemical accidents. In cases of high heat, the pressure inside containers can increase significantly, leading to potential cracking or even explosions.
Experts warn that with the arrival of summer, the risk of such incidents has risen. Fluctuating environmental conditions and increased use of refrigeration systems have placed industries under heightened risk. Ammonia-based refrigeration is not only cost-effective but also highly efficient, making it a popular choice for large-scale operations. It is primarily used in the production of urea and other chemical fertilizers, as well as in pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and even rocket propellants.
In the food processing industry, particularly in poultry companies, ammonia refrigeration is commonly used. For example, Hunan Xiangjia Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd., a major poultry breeding enterprise, operates five cold storage facilities with a total capacity of 1,000 tons, all utilizing ammonia refrigeration. According to Yu Jiawen, the company's chairman, ammonia offers significant advantages over alternatives like Freon. It provides better cooling, lower costs, and reduced maintenance expenses, which is why it is widely adopted in large-scale refrigeration systems.
Despite its efficiency, ammonia remains dangerous due to its corrosive, flammable, and explosive nature. Experts note that the current high-temperature season increases the likelihood of accidents, especially in sectors heavily reliant on refrigeration. Incidents involving ammonia leaks are more common in food processing companies. For instance, in 2010, Dehui Baoyuanfeng Poultry Co., Ltd. experienced a severe ammonia leak that led to smoldering in a 1,800 square meter warehouse. In August 2011, another meat processing plant in Dehui suffered an ammonia leak, resulting in 13 employees being poisoned.
Similar incidents have been reported across China. In April 2013, an ammonia leak at a food factory in Renshou County, Sichuan, caused four deaths. In the same month, a similar leak at a frozen warehouse in Shandong’s Linyi County contaminated 16 tons of frozen meat and injured over 40 workers. In May, an ammonia leak at a meat processing facility in Hainan resulted in the evacuation of more than 400 people.
Ammonia is classified as a toxic gas by the state, and exposure to even low concentrations can irritate mucous membranes. High concentrations may lead to tissue damage and, in severe cases, death. Jiang Zhuoliang, general manager of Safety Science Research Co., Ltd., emphasized that ammonia is listed in the "First List of Hazardous Chemicals with Major Regulations." Many regions, including Shandong, Dalian, Beijing, and Sichuan, have established specific local regulations, while Sinopec has developed comprehensive safety management guidelines. Hunan Province has also introduced a system for identifying hidden dangers in hazardous chemical operations.
However, monitoring these risks remains challenging. With numerous facilities using ammonia, varying levels of technology, equipment quality, and employee expertise make regulation difficult. Some slaughterhouses and refrigeration companies lack proper training and safety awareness, increasing the likelihood of leaks or explosions.
Wang Fei, an analyst at Longview Information, stressed the importance of regular equipment inspections and maintenance. After an ammonia leak, experts advise people to move to higher ground, away from the source of the leak. Although ammonia is non-flammable, it spreads quickly into the air, reducing its concentration and impact. Therefore, residents should remain calm and avoid unnecessary panic.
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