Hydrogen Fire in the Chlorine Unit of a Chemical Plant
The fire occurred around 13:20 on three cells of the chlorine manufacturing unit. A leak of hydrogen in the electrolysis room was at the origin of the fire; the ignition of the H2 cloud caused a noticeable noise outside the site.The emergency plan was initiated; the gas alert resulted in the confinement of personnel located in the area of the site concerned. The use of nitrogen to make inert the atmosphere and the intervention of the firefighters of the site allowed the extinction of the fire of the plastic lids of the three cells around 14:30.No leakage of chlorine was noted and the operator issued a press release.Three people were slightly injured including one who was transported to the hospital for light electrification.
Event Date
August 18, 2008
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Cause Comments
Immediate cause was a hydrogen leak in the electrolysis room
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
electrolyzer cells, electrolysis building
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Event Nature
Emergency Action
13:20 Fire is noticed due to the noise from the ignition of hydrogenThe emergency plan was initiated; the gas alert resulted in the confinement of personnel located in the area of the site concerned. 14:30 The fire around the plastic lids of the three chlorine cells was extinguished by means of nitrogen and the intervention of the firefighters of the site No leakage of chlorine was noted and the operator issued a press release.
Release Type
Release Substance
Hydrogen Release Concentration (%)
100.00
Ignition Source
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
ARIA data base
event no. 35032