Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant temporarily closed after explosion

Vapor plume containing traces of hydrochloric acid after explosion at Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant in Charleston, Tennessee
A huge vapor plume containing traces of hydrochloric acid formed at Wacker’s polysilicon plant in Charleston – Image: News Channel 9

Chlorosilane escaped from two leaks after an explosion at Wacker’s polysilicon plant near Charleston, Tennessee (USA) on September 7. Production has been suspended until the cause of the explosion is found.

The escaping chlorosilane was contained with water, which created a huge vapor plume containing traces of hydrochloric acid. Thirteen people with symptoms related to the chemical release were treated at hospitals.

It was the second incident at the plant within eight days; chlorosilane already leaked on August 30. In 2016 Wacker had to pay fines of $3,500 and $4,000, respectively, for violations of safety regulations at the new polysilicon plant.

NEW: Get Your In-depth Report – The Polysilicon Market Outlook 2027

  • Benefit from 102 pages full of rich data, in-depth analyses and detailed forecasts on the polysilicon, solar and semiconductor industries
  • Learn all about the latest developments of polysilicon manufacturing technologies (Siemens process, fluidized bed reactor, upgraded silicon kerf loss from wafer sawing)
  • Obtain comprehensive data on production volumes and capacities of 45 solar-grade and electronic-grade polysilicon plants from 2020 through 2027
  • Gain insight into decisive market trends, based on four sophisticated scenarios of supply and demand through 2027
  • Get valuable guidance with cash cost data on 30 solar-grade polysilicon plants and spot price forecasts through 2027

Go to the Report


Go back

Comments

Add a comment

Back to Polysilicon News