Explosion in Gases Production Plant
During functional tests of the system, a major quantity of hydrogen-containing gas was released from an adsorber, followed by its ignition.After the alarm was released the feed of the adsorber was closed, while the sprinkling system was activated by the high temperatures arising from the fire.The cause of this event was an assembly error, which caused the failure of a gasket (comb-shaped) at the head flange of the adsorber.
Event Date
July 15, 1998
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Cause Comments
The immediate cause was an assembly error, which caused the failure of a gasket It was due to human error during repair works. Root or contributing cause could be an inadequate maintenance/installation procedure
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
adsorber, gasket, head-flange of adsorber
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Operational Condition
Pre-event Summary
The event occurred during the execution of complex functional tests.
Number of Fatalities
1
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
The plant operator modified the sealing system (cantering). Although the reports do not tackle the aspect of the human error, the measure akin was probably adopted to avoid any further assembly error.
Event Nature
Emergency Action
After the alarm was released, the gas feed to the adsorber was closed, and the sprinkling system was activated by the high temperatures arising from the fire.
Release Type
Release Substance
Hydrogen Release Concentration (%)
100.00
Ignition Source
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Flame Type
Source Category
References
References
Event description in European database eMARS
https://emars.jrc.ec.europa.eu/en/eMARS/accident/view/abc44c21-1088-a3c…
(accessed September 2020)
Event description in French database ARIA
https://www.aria.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/accident/19490/
(accessed September 2020)