Explosion on a Electrolyzer
An explosion occurs in the oxygen gas holder in an electrolysis plant. The explosion is due to the entry of hydrogen in the oxygen gas holder.The dome of the gas holder and the collar were blown away.
Event Date
March 12, 1998
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Cause Comments
The explosion is due to the entry of hydrogen in the oxygen gas holder.
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
electrolyzer, oxygen holder
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Operational Condition
Consequences
Number of Injured Persons
90
Number of Fatalities
15
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Unknown
Event Nature
Emergency Action
The dome of the gas holder (1060 kg) is blown 135m away, the collar (1150 kg) is blown 33m away and concrete elements are blown 80m away.
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
Event description in the French database ARIA
https://www.aria.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/accident/20351/
(accessed October 2020)