Fire at a Desulfurization Unit
Hydrogen gas leaking from drain pipes in a hydrodesulfurization plant: There was a hydrodesulfurisation plant which had a recycle hydrogen compressor fitted with a suction rectifier. Hydrogen gas gushed out through a hole made by corrosion at the drain pipe on the suction rectifier. The process condition (45C and 3.7Mpa) made atmosphere causing hydrogen sulfide-ammonia corrosion in the drain pipe which consisted of about 10m horizontal parts and an upward outlet. This upward outlet made it impossible to drain out completely. Furthermore, steam insulation also contributed to the corrosion.
Event Date
December 18, 1996
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
recycle hydrogen compressor, hydrogen pipe
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Consequences
Number of Injured Persons
3
Currency
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
[1st] Equipment factor [2nd] Material damage [3rd] Corrosion[1st] Pipe arrangement [2nd] Pipe arrangement/piping joint[1] Non-lighting release [2nd] Leakage (Atmosphere)
Event Nature
Emergency Action
Unknown
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
Orignal source lost. RISCAD is closed.