How does industry control thermal runaway reactions?

Answer 1

Perhaps an example will illustrate one problem.

In preparing boiled linseed oil from the parent stock, the oil is heated so far, and then an exothermic reactionoccurs. If this proceeds naturally, it will lead to overheating of the vessel, and eventually an explosion or a fire, or both.

To prevent the overheating, when a certain (known safe) temperature is reached, the heating process is stopped, and blasts of cold water are sprayed on the reaction vessel. Should the overheating continue despite the extra cooling, an alarm sounds to warn employees to remove themselves, and the spray is increased drastically.

If the overheating continues then an explosion does occur.

This contingency is catered for by housing the reaction vessel in a building which has excess height, lacks one complete wall, and is located such that the explosion will cause no damage to other buildings or staff. Naturally, a sprinkler system is in full operation by now, so that the hot oil explosion is quenched.

Footnote. Linseed oil poses other problems to users. Occasionally, a bunch of linseed oil soaked rags will spontaneously combust. You should never leave rags soaked in linseed oil such that a resulting fire would cause more damage.

Answer 2

Very Safely.