Explosion and Fire at Oil Refinery Due to Piston Rod Failure in Hydrogen Compressor
Following the breakdown of a piston rod, a mixture of hydrogen and light hydrocarbons was released from the fresh hydrogen compressor of an oil refinery. The rod broke down because of stress corrosion. The stress exerted on the rod was significantly increased by the looseness of the piston fixing point.The gas mixture ignited, also igniting the lubricating oil and other items in the room. Some 1,500 kg of hydrogen gas and a few hundred litres of lubricating oil were estimated to have been burned.
Event Date
March 3, 2000
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Cause Comments
The rod broke down because of stress corrosion. The stress exerted on the rod was significantly increased by the looseness of the piston fixing point.Shortcomings in service and maintenance
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
rod of a gas compressor
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Operational Condition
Pre-event Summary
A piston rod broke down in a hydrogen compressor of an oil refinery. The rod broke down because of stress corrosion. The stress exerted on the rod was significantly increased by the looseness of the piston fixing point.
Currency
Event Nature
Emergency Action
Unknown
Release Type
Release Substance
Release Amount (kg)
1500.00
Ignition Source
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
Source lost