Explosion on the Pressure Release Device of a Hydrogen Supply Unit
The explosion followed a hydrogen leak on a unit conditioning hydrogen.The leak was caused by the mechanical rupture of the membrane of a pressure release device which was part of a pressure reduction unit consisting of a two-stage pressure reduction, shut-off valves et connection flanges. This section of the hydrogen line had the purpose to reduce the hydrogen pressure from 220 to 50 bars and further to 3 bar and to supply it to an area for the conditioning of semi-trailers. The fire was is extinguished and the installation stopped and placed under nitrogen.
Event Date
September 9, 2004
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Cause Comments
The immediate cause was the mechanical failure of a pressure reduction device.
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
hydrogen pipeline, pressure reducers, Hydrogen conditioning unit
Storage/Process Medium
Actual Pressure
220
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Operational Condition
Consequences
Number of Injured Persons
4
Currency
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Unknown
Event Nature
Emergency Action
A deflagration occurs following a hydrogen leak and its inflammation on a unit conditioning hydrogen. The fire is extinguished by the workers and hydrogen feeding is closed. The installation is stopped and placed under nitrogen.
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/28007/
(accessed October 2020)