Fire from a Hydrogen Pipeline Damaged by Excavation Works
Excavation work was performed nearby a buried pipeline of gaseous hydrogen. The excavation machine hit the pipeline causing an under-expanded jet fire. No injuries. The excavation machine was burnt during the accident.Additional investigations are in progress to understand why the third party company was not informed or has not transfer the information to the workers of the presence of the hydrogen pipeline.
Event Date
March 21, 2019
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Cause Comments
The immediate cause was the mechanical damage to an underground hydrogen pipelineThe specific root cause is not yet identified, but is related to the failure to properly inform the excavating company of the presence of the pipeline.
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
underground gas pipeline
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Countryside
Pre-event Summary
Maintenance work (excavation for water drainage pipes) were performed nearby the pipeline
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
AN INVESTIGATION IS STILL ONGOINGIn Belgium a work declaration platform is mandatory for ground digging works. This had been adopted after the explosion of natural gas near Ghislenghien in 2004, caused under similar circumstances and with sever consequences. The company executing the maintenance work near the pipeline was however unaware of its presence. The investigation aims at identifying the cause of this lack of information and communication.
Event Nature
Emergency Action
Motorists on a nearby highway saw flames several metres high and a large amount of smoke coming from an explosion in the middle of the fields. The emergency services set up a safety perimeter and two houses were evacuated.A specialized company repaired the pipeline.
Release Type
Release Substance
Hydrogen Release Concentration (%)
100.00
Ignition Source
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
ARIA event no. 53345
Report RTBF (including screen shots from a video)