Re: ATM Concrete moulds could be DANGEROUS

[Brad Davy <bdavy@fred.net>]

Thomas Janstrom wrote:
> 
> The correct amount of cement powder is 10% and the correct amount of water
> is 5%. These are all by weight with the remainder being 80 mesh sand.
> 
> > >>>
> >
> > Pouring molten Al in a concrete mould can be VERY DANGEROUS.
> >
> > If the concrete is of normal mix the mould has a very high chance of
> > exploding violently showering you with molten Al.
> >

For those that are interested, it is more than just a steam explosion
that can result.  The Aluminum Water reaction that occurs with Molten
Aluminum is highly exothermic, and will cause the aluminum to detonate
with greater energy release than an equivalent weight of TNT.  We at the
Department of Energy became painfully aware of this potential when we
realized the old reactors at Savannah River used Metal Aluminum Fuel and
Target assemblies.  Core meltdown took on a whole new meaning.  I also
have a friend that worked at the nearby East Alco Aluminum foundry. 
Everyone there knows that if a crucible full of Aluminum spills on the
concrete floor, they RUN!

Brad.
bdavy@fred.net