Fire in a Ammonia Production Plant
Fire in a ammonia plant.The accident starts with a leak of a hydrogen-nitrogen mixture at the suction flange of a compressor. The mixture ignites on contact with air and the fire spreads to an oil bath
Event Date
January 18, 1991
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Cause Comments
Immediate cause is the failure of valve on a hydrogen compressor.
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
hydrogen compressor, suction flange
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Consequences
Number of Injured Persons
2
Property Loss (onsite)
Only dmage to the oil tank
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Unknown
Event Nature
Emergency Action
The fire brigade was able to control and extinguish the fire.
Release Type
Release Substance
Ignition Source
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Flame Type
Source Category
References
References
Event description in French database ARIA
https://www.aria.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/accident/3001/
(accessed September 2020)