News on incident

News on suppliers, market trends and technology innovations in polysilicon and wafer production is selected, assessed and written for you by Bernreuter Research.

Fire at Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant in Charleston, Tennessee

Next incident at Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant: fire extinguished

(comments: 0)

20 months after a severe hydrogen explosion at Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant near Charleston, Tennessee, a fire in the waste water treatment building was extinguished.

OCI’s expansion of polysilicon production capacity

OCI hurt by low prices, enters semiconductor polysilicon business

(comments: 0)

Although South Korean chemicals group OCI benefited from high demand for monocrystalline-grade polysilicon in the fourth quarter of 2018, its basic chemicals division was in red territory for the second quarter in a row.

Reopening ceremony for Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant in Charleston, Tennessee with Dr. Tobias Brandis, Dr. Rudolf Staudigl, Mary Beth Hudson, Dr. Peter-Alexander Wacker, and David Wilhoit (from left)

Wacker restarts U.S. polysilicon plant after eight-month halt

(comments: 0)

After investigating the cause of the hydrogen explosion that occurred on September 7, 2017 and repairing the damaged equipment and building, Wacker has restarted production at its U.S. polysilicon plant near Charleston.

Hydrogen explosion at Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant in Charleston, Tennessee

Faulty piston caused explosion at Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant

(comments: 0)

According to the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a faulty piston in a hydrogen compressor has caused the explosion at Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant. 

Monthly polysilicon imports into China from November 2016 through October 2017

Weak Chinese polysilicon imports worsened by Wacker shortfall

(comments: 0)

Polysilicon imports into China dropped considerably from the record high of 17,628 metric tons (MT) in September to 11,153 MT in October.

Charleston residents protest against Wacker’s communication policy after hydrogen explosion at its polysilicon plant

Wacker: U.S. polysilicon plant shutdown will take several months

(comments: 0)

After a hydrogen explosion has damaged its U.S. polysilicon plant, Wacker expects it will take several months until the plant is restarted. The company’s communication policy has sparked harsh criticism in the local community.

Vapor plume containing traces of hydrochloric acid after explosion at Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant in Charleston, Tennessee

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

(comments: 0)

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.

Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant in Charleston, Tennessee

Chemicals from Wacker’s U.S. polysilicon plant injure five workers

(comments: 0)

A release of chemicals at Wacker’s polysilicon plant near Charleston, Tennessee (USA) has caused burns to five workers. They were taken to hospitals.