Hydrogen Line Leakage in a Metal Production Plant
In a metal production company, a leak occurred on valve of a hydrogen line. A new valve was ordered. Almost one month later workers arrived on site to replace the valve. After one hour they heard an explosion. Two men went to investigate and saw flames coming from the hydrogen pipe that was being repaired. They ran outside to isolate the hydrogen lineOne worker had burnt his arm. The hydrogen regulator was burnt and a new one had to be fitted.
Event Date
May 23, 2001
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
Hydrogen line, valve, regulator.
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Operational Condition
Pre-event Summary
A valve of a hydrogen line started leaking 1 month before the incident, which occurred when contractor's workers were on site to replace the leaking one with a new valve.
Currency
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Unknown
Event Nature
Emergency Action
Two workers ran outside to isolate the hydrogen. When returning to the scene of the event, they found a colleague had suffered burns to the arms.
Emergency Evaluation
The hydrogen regulator was burnt and a new one had to be fitted. The injured worker and company fitted the new regulator and valve, but would not test the installation.
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
Event description provided by HSE, original source confidential