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This data is from the European Hydrogen Incidents and Accidents database HIAD 2.1, European Commission, Joint Research Centre.

Explosion in an industrial Gas Plant
Works at the power grid of a hydrogen production unit is at the origin of the sequence of the following events:1.Fusion of a safe fuse triggering the closure of a valve on the manifold of a pistons compressor, whose function was to raise the pressure from 50 mbar at the exit of the gasometer to 250 bar. 2.As a consequence of the closure of the valve, the dome of the gasometer filled with hydrogen up to the maximal level, after which the regulation valve of the storage system closed. 3.At this moment, a zone of under-pressure at the aspiration pipe of the compressor, causing the suction of air from outside, which formed with hydrogen an explosive mixture which auto-ignited. 4.The explosion caused the failure of the pressurized system: two pressure vessels, pipes and other parts of the plant were largely damaged, including the brick building hosting the unit.5.Three plant keepers, which were in the near building, were seriously injured by an iron pieces breaking into the building.
Event Date
October 21, 1993
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Cause Comments
Human failure during repair works that led to the malfunctioning of the hydrogen-high pressure condenser.
Facility Information
Application Type
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
pressure condenser, pipe, water trap, plastic tube, hydrogen production unit, hydrogen compressor,
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Operational Condition
Pre-event Summary
Works were executed at the power grid of the of the installation.
Currency
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
The lesson learned reported by the referred source states: "The building of the compressor plant has to be remade in light structure (design change)."It seems a rather limited conclusion, focusing to mitigate the consequence of similar accidents.
Event Nature
Emergency Action
A local hydrogen fire on a near measurement pipe was extinguished.
Emergency Evaluation
The measurement and control systems necessary for the continuation of the electrolysis operation were examined, the pipes open towards hydrogen outlet and air inlet were closed. The electrical supply of the condenser plant was controlled.
Release Type
Release Substance
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References

Original event description in eMARS

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