USS Clairton begins full production of batteries 19 and 20, 13 and 14 hot idled 

On Aug. 29, USS stated that the facility safely placed batteries 13 and 14 on hot idle.

The same USS update states: “The hot idle state of the batteries will allow them to maintain their temperature and for us to continue to assess for any damage to the ovens and determine the course of action to repair.” 

Currently, no coking is taking place at batteries 13 and 14. On Aug. 26, USS announced it would begin the process of removing coke from batteries 13 and 14. Removing the batteries allowed the company to investigate the damage to its ovens and determine repairs.  

The explosion is attributed to pressure inside of a valve. The pressure caused the valve to become faulty and permitted coke oven gas to fill the area. Once the gas permeated the area it found an ignition source which resulted in the explosion.

The preliminary update stresses the early nature of the findings and advises that deeper investigations may result in updated information, according to USS updates from its information page. 

Clairton Works is located in the Mon Valley region of Pennsylvania. It is the largest coking facility in North America. Its annual capacity totals 4.7 million short tons. USS also produces coke at its Gary Works integrated mill in Gary, Ind.