Explosion from a Venting Valve
Hydrogen escaped when a venting valve was opened for the inspection of a cap. The escaped hydrogen caught fire, resulting in the death of 4 people, injuries to others 3 and damages to the plant.
Event Date
July 27, 1984
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Cause Comments
The tank under renovation probably had not been completely degasified.. Lesson learnt : Any operation on tanks having previously contained any kind of flammable liquid or gas shall be performed only after a complete degasification the results of which have to be verified (tested).
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Unknown
Operational Condition
Pre-event Summary
a venting valve in the tank was opened for the inspection of a cap.
Currency
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Any operation on tanks having previously contained any kind of flammable liquid or gas shall be performed only after a complete degasification the results of which have to be verified (tested).
Event Nature
Emergency Action
Unknown
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
Source lost