Fire in an Ammonia Synthesis Reactor
In a fertiliser plant, an ammonia synthesis unit stopped following the malfunction of an alternator (due to a thunderstorm). The safety features were operating normally, yet the synthesis gas (N2 / H2) emitted into the atmosphere ignited in the chimney (sparked by lightning?). Alerted by the noise and after noticing the flames raging for 15 min, neighbours contacted the fire department. During this time, the facility operator cut the natural gas intake that supplied the unit and secured the installation. Fire-fighter presence was not required at the site.
Event Date
August 4, 1997
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Cause Comments
Immediate cause is the malfunction of an alternator, which stopped the ammonia production.Despite the correct safe procedure was in place, the hydrogen released via the chimney ignited (perhaps sparked by lightning)
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
chimney at an ammonia synthesis unit
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Pre-event Summary
Due to a thunderstorm, the alternator was malfunctioning.
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Unknown
Event Nature
Emergency Action
Alerted by the noise and after noticing the flames raging for 15 min, neighbours contacted the fire department. During this time, the facility operator cut the natural gas intake that supplied the unit and secured the installations. Fire-fighter presence was not required at the site.
Release Type
Release Substance
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
ARIA data base
event no. 11562