CSIR-NCL team controlled leaked gas at Mumbai-Bengaluru highway
The team of scientists from the CSIR-NCL (National Chemical Research Laboratory) controlled the aggravation of effects of leaked gas – acetic acid, which leaked from a 30-metric tonne tanker after an accident at Chandani Chowk along the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway on May 28, 2020.
Local residents complained concerning irritation in eyes as well as breathing problems, following the leak. NCL team of 12-members reached the spot and examined the scene. The NCL is around 10 km from the spot of the accident.
The leaked gas was found to be acetic acid, which has a boiling point of 118 °C, can be toxic when inhaled, and is very corrosive in nature.
To dilute the effect of the gas, the NCL team sprinkled Ammonium Bicarbonate over the leaked gas for the next 5 hours. Till authorities of the Pune police, as well as Fire Brigade, transferred the remaining acid into another tanker, the measures from the NCL team helped neutralize the gas.
Ashwini Kumar Nangia, Director, CSIR-NCL said, “The circumstance might have been really dangerous for individuals in the neighborhood if the spread of acetic acid vapors proceeded till early morning without
neutralization”.Remarkably, NCL had tonnes of Ammonium Bicarbonate available handy since last year when it was utilized for eco-friendly immersion of Ganapati idol made of Plaster of Paris.
Prabhakar Ingle, Head of publication and science communication, NCL, said, “We were able to go prepared with Ammonium Bicarbonate as the police had informed the team that acetic acid was leaking. The smell was excruciating even for them however they were wearing masks as it is the current rules. To transfer the acetic acid to one another tanker, a group of the company and transport officials came and transferred the acid with the help of the police and the fire brigade at around 2 am. To provide guidance on the cleaning process, the team visited the site again the next morning”.
Author: Sruthi S
