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Liquid nitrogen leak at firm that supplies international space programmes
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A liquid nitrogen leak was reported in the early hours of this morning at the base of a firm that provides aerospace and defence systems to international space programmes.
Six fire engines rushed to the United Technologies Corporation centre in Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead, just after 2.40am.
A 100-metre cordon was drawn around the leak, which firefighters said was coming from the valve of an 8,000-litre liquid nitrogen tank.
An engineer was called out to isolate the leak and the area was made safe by just before 4.40am. The building where it all happened is shared by communications firm Kcom.
The cause of the leak has not yet been established and United Technologies Corporation worker Martin Phillips said he could not comment on the incident.
He said: “We are in the middle of doing our own alternative investigation of what did happen.”
The firm describes itself as ‘one of the world’s largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and defence products’ on its website.
The website says: “We design, manufacture and service systems and components and provide integrated solutions for commercial, regional, business and military aircraft, helicopters and other platforms.
“We are also a major supplier to international space programmes.”
UPDATE (Monday):
Strategic planning director Martin Phillips has now said: “The UTC Aerospace Systems facility in Hemel Hempstead, UK experienced a leak in an external liquid nitrogen tank at approximately 2:30am.
“The on-site security contacted the local emergency services and the tank maintenance provider who promptly repaired the leak.
“The system was declared safe by 4:30am and normal operations were not disrupted.
“Nitrogen is an inert gas found naturally in the air we breathe and there was no danger to the environment or the surrounding area.”
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Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 13 C to 19 C
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