An Explosion in the Hydrogen Storage of an Ammonia Production Unit
The explosion took place in the hydrogen gasometer. The bell in the gasometer was lifted 15-20 m straight up and cracked. The cover fell down on the pipe bridge besides the gasometer. The cylindrical part of the bell fell down into the gasometer basin. The reason for the explosion was transportation of oxygen into the hydrogen gasometer. This was due to poor drainage, and corresponding overpressure in the oxygen flow line. No persons were injured. The hydrogen gasometer was destroyed, and there was also considerable damage to the 02 and N2 gasometers. Several pipes were knocked off and foundations for the pipe bridge were damaged. There was also some damage to the neighbouring buildings and many windows were either blown in or sucked out of their frames. In total 1,200 m3 of glass were damaged. No comments are made regarding possible ignition sources. The HAZOP study which was done after the explosion revealed that a series of improvements could be carried out to increase safety.
Event Date
January 1, 1989
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes (Select all applicable options):
Cause Comments
The direct cause for the explosion was transportation of oxygen into the hydrogen gasometer. This was due to poor drainage, and corresponding overpressure in the oxygen flow line.
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
hydrogen gasometer
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Unknown
Lessons Learned
Unknown
Emergency Action
Unknown
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
6th International Symposium 'Loss Prevention and Safety Promotion in the Process Industries', Oslo, Norway, June 19-22 1989, Vol.2, pp. 40.1-40.14, available from Norwegian Society of Chartered Engineers