Explosion at a Hydrogen Compressor
Employees #1 - #3 were machinists that were in the process of trouble shooting a compressor which had hydrogen in the lines. No actual work was in process. They were only listening for obvious noises which would help diagnose the problem. Employees #4 and #5 were operators who had brought the compressor to the machinists. A common 4" line ruptured, releasing hydrogen to the atmosphere. An explosion and fire occurred as a result. The machinists were killed while the operators were injured and hospitalized.
Event Date
December 5, 1985
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Cause Comments
A hydrogen line ruptured
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
hydrogen compressor, pipeline
Location Type
Location description
Unknown
Pre-event Summary
A hydrogen line for the compressor ruptured.
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Unknown
Event Nature
Emergency Action
Unknown
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Accident Summary Nr: 14519334
https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/accidentsearch.accident_detail?id=145193…
(accessed March 2023)