Explosion at the Alternator of a Power Plant
Explosion of hydrogen at slip ring end of an alternator. It was caused by a hose fracture within the generator casing, which led to a discharge of water into the casing and subsequent electrical flashover. Pressure pulse blew out the hydrogen seals and resulted in a fire in the turbine hall.
Event Date
March 8, 1983
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Cause Comments
A hose fracture was the initiator of this event.
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
alternator, power production
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Unknown
Operational Condition
Number of Fatalities
2
Currency
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Unknown
Event Nature
Emergency Action
Not stated
Emergency Evaluation
Not stated
Ignition Source
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
Event description provided by HSE, original source confidential