The investigation team concluded that hydrogen gas was released through a failed 19-inch diameter gasket and ignited under the roof of the compressor shed where it was partially confined. Some gas escaped from the shed prior to the explosion, but…

The ignition of the fireball could have been caused by any of the following mechanisms:

• The inverse Joule-Thompson effect of hydrogen (i.e., heating upon expansion)
• Some of the oil and light ends were above their auto-…

Based on the results of the company investigation and analysis of an amateur video, the company determined that the incident could have been caused by the failure of one of the following plant components:
· pipes leading to the reactor…

In addition to the probable causes listed above, the lack of a standard operating procedure for hydrogen leak detection was one of the probable causes of this incident. Additional contributing factors included the following:
- Severe pipe…

The incident was the result of a combination of factors leading to exceptional temperature conditions that were not taken into account in the mechanical design of the reactor. Corrective actions that were implemented by the plant management…

The following actions were proposed as a result of this incident:

•  The company in charge of valve calibration and maintenance will be subject to approval of the plant service inspection team.
•  Plant operating…

Three root-causes were noted during the investigation: (1) the use of incompatible materials in the manufacturing of the PRD valve, (2) improper assembly resulting in over-torquing of the inner assembly, and (3) over-hardening of the inner…

1. The hydrogen supplier installed a fire-resistant material board adjacent to the high-pressure hydrogen storage banks to prevent any potential jet flames from affecting adjacent high-pressure cylinders for several minutes. The 0.25 mm…

An important aspect of the reliability of a valve is the condition of the stem seal which tends to deteriorate with time and wear. Valves used in hydrogen service should be packed with the correct valve packing material and periodically checked…

1. Carbon steel Nelson curve methodology cannot be depended on to prevent HTHA equipment failures and cannot be reliably used to predict the occurrence of HTHA equipment damage. Revisions to recommended practices should be considered…

The researcher's failure to pull the fire alarm was an oversight of required facility practice. The alarm should have been triggered in consideration of the potential for greater harm to personnel and facilities.

Hot, reacting ammonia…

Maintain an internal process for verifying component wetted material compatibility for intended use as part of the procurement process for hydrogen system equipment. It is critical that component parts be appropriately rated for the materials,…