Could Temperature Buildup in Spray Dryer Have Caused the Blast at Telangana Pharma Unit?

Hyderabad, July 1 (NationPress) An explosion in a spray dryer machine is suspected to have triggered Telangana’s most catastrophic industrial accident at the pharmaceutical facility of Sigachi Industries located at Pashamylaram near Hyderabad, resulting in the loss of over 30 lives.

Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the precise cause of the blast, with officials from the industries department suggesting that a significant temperature buildup in the spray dryer may have led to the explosion in the Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) drying unit.

A spray dryer converts a liquid or slurry into a dried powder by atomizing it into a hot gas stream. The chemical processes in a spray dryer can cause a sharp increase in temperature, necessitating the use of a blow air handler to manage airflow and heat.

Experts indicate that the blow air handler must be regularly cleaned to function effectively. They suspect that inadequate maintenance may have caused the temperature to exceed safe levels in the spray dryer, potentially triggering the explosion.

Officials estimate that the temperature at the time of the explosion reached between 700-800 degrees Celsius.

The explosion's impact was so severe that it completely demolished the three-storey structure, with some workers being propelled as far as 50 feet.

Sigachi Industries Ltd (SIL) is recognized as one of the largest producers of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) globally, operating three multi-locational facilities in Telangana and Gujarat.

MCC is a widely utilized excipient in the pharmaceutical sector.

Founded in 1989, Sigachi has a diverse presence across pharmaceuticals, food, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics.

The factory at Pashamylaram has been operational for nearly four decades, spanning approximately four acres within the industrial cluster, consisting of four blocks.

The facility employed 189 workers, primarily from northern Indian states. On the morning of the incident, around 145 workers were present when the blast tragically claimed over 30 lives and injured 35 others.

In light of the fire accident, Sigachi announced on Monday that operations at its Hyderabad plant will be halted for approximately 90 days to facilitate the replacement and restoration of damaged equipment and structures.

In a filing with the stock exchange, the company reported that the incident also caused damage to various ancillary equipment and civil structures within the facility located in IDA Pashamylaram, Phase -1.

The company is collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure all safety and support protocols are adhered to.