Deflagration in a Ammonia Synthesis Unit
A deflagration occurred during shutdown of a reactor used for ammonia synthesis. It was followed by a jet fire. The hydrogen leak was probably due first to the lower seals, followed by another leak on the upper seal of the autoclave, under 15 to 20 bars.The Internal Operation Plan is launched and cancelled 1h50 later. No one is injured.
Event Date
April 20, 2006
Record Quality Indicator
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Cause Comments
Immediate cause was the leak of a joint of an autoclave. Nothing known on the root cause(s).
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
autoclave, seals of joints
Storage/Process Medium
Actual Pressure
20
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Operational Condition
Pre-event Summary
The leak occurred during maintenance operation
Currency
Event Nature
Emergency Action
The explosion was followed by a jet fire. The Internal Operation Plan was launched and terminated 1h50 later.
Release Type
Release Substance
Hydrogen Release Concentration (%)
100.00
Release Pressure (bar)
20.00
Ignition Source
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Flame Type
Source Category
References
References
Event no. 31715 of the French database ARIA (accessed December 2020)