Blind Flange Connection Failure Causes Hydrogen Fire During Pipeline Inspection
An in-line inspection of the hydrogen pipeline was being conducted and prior to the last run of the in-line inspection tool (mfl), hydrogen gas was released and ignited from a blind flange connection failure on a temporary separator filter installed at the receiver site. The fire was immediately identified by on-site personnel. There were no injuries. The pipeline section was isolated and de-pressurised to the facility flare. Local emergency responders were dispatched and contained and extinguished the fire. The fire affected the station piping and equipment in the surrounding area. Repairs and/or replacement of affected piping and equipment were completed and re-commissioned.
Event Date
April 28, 2015
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes (Select all applicable options):
Cause Comments
Failure of a blind flange connection, which had been temporarily installed to allow for an in-line inspection.According to the PHMSA report, there was no indication that the actions of the controller(s) or control room were the cause of, or a contributing factor to, the incident.
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
aboveground pipeline, blind flange connection
Storage/Process Medium
Actual Pressure
8
Design Pressure
10
Location Type
Location description
Countryside
Operational Condition
Pre-event Summary
The incident occurred during an inline inspection.
Number of Injured Persons
1
Emergency Action
The pipeline section was isolated and de-pressurised to the facility flare. Local emergency responders were dispatched and contained and extinguished the fire. The fire affected the station piping and equipment in the surrounding area.
Release Type
Release Substance
Hydrogen Release Concentration (%)
100.00
Release Amount (kg)
1974.00
Release Pressure (bar)
8.90
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administraytion PHMSA:
https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/safety-reports/pipeline-failure-investigation…