A Leak of Hydrogen, Methane and Hydrogen Sulfide from a Pipe in a Refinery
The leak occurred on a process pipe of a pressurized at 17 bar and located 3.5 m from the ground The gaseous mixture composed of hydrogen, methane and hydrogen sulfide (density: 0.6) was released to the atmosphere. The operator evacuated a hundred employees, stopped production and put the establishment in the safe mode. The emergency plan is triggered. Water curtains are put into action and measurements of toxicity and explosimetry are carried out. After a hour the pressure in the pipe reduced 0.5 bar and the measurements of toxicity and explosimetry in the ambient air returned to satisfactory level. The emergency plan was terminated. Public firefighters are on site but did not intervene.
Event Date
October 4, 2010
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes (Select all applicable options):
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
pressurized gas process pipe (17 bar) located 3.5 m from the ground
Storage/Process Medium
Actual Pressure
17
Design Pressure
17
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Lessons Learned
Unknown
Emergency Action
14:30 Leak detected from a pipe at 17 bar. The operator evacuates a hundred employees, stops production and puts the establishment in the safe mode. The emergency plan is initiated. Water curtains are put into action and measurements of toxicity and explosimetry are carried out. 15:30 The pressure in the pipe at 0.5 bar. The measurements of toxicity and explosimetry in the ambient air being satisfactory, 15:45 Emergency plan is terminated Public firefighters are on site but will not intervene.
Release Type
Release Substance
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
ARIA data base
event no. 39045