Butter Production Plant Explosion Due to Hydrogen Tank Rupture
The explosion occurred in a plant for the production of butter. It was due to the rupture of a hydrogen tank, during a sterilization process at high temperature (so-called UHT treatment). Two fatalities and 12 injuries. The explosion blew away the roof of the unit and severely damaged the other installation.
Event Date
September 9, 2002
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes (Select all applicable options):
Cause Comments
The immediate cause is due to the rupture of a hydrogen cylinder during UHT sterilization process.
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
Manufacturing of butter, UHT sterilization treatment
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Operational Condition
Pre-event Summary
The UHT treatment consists in the exposure for a very short time (few seconds) to temperature of approximately 135 -150C.
Currency
Emergency Action
Unknown
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
Original event in ARIA (https://www.aria.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/accident/23739/)