Explosion at a Generator Unit
Explosion in condenser area two hours after the unit tripped (due to a stator earth fault). The stator earth fault had damaged two hydrogen cooler tubes, which allowed hydrogen to pass from the stator casing into the condenser via the condensate system. Ignition source thought to be contact with the hot metal of the IP steam chests or due to an electrostatic spark.
Event Date
February 26, 1980
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
Condenser and condensate system, hydrogen tubes
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Unknown
Operational Condition
Consequences
Number of Injured Persons
2
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Unknown
Event Nature
Emergency Action
Not known
Emergency Evaluation
Not known
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