Malfunctioning in a Hydrogen Refueling Station
At a refuelling station for buses, the first dispenser had been taken out of operation, becasue leaking (see HIAD event 403). Another dispenser was being used. Fuelling was taking too long and was very slow. The producer was called and it was found that the solenoid valves were not opening correctly due to a lack of compressed air.
Event Date
July 23, 2013
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Cause Comments
It was found that a snap connector on an air line in the fuel cell workshop had come apart overnight. The air supply was restored and fueling took place normally so that no buses were delayed for service. Before the workshop was locked up there was no indication that the near miss would occur. Investigation found that the connector was fitted with the correct crimp.
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
H2 dispenser
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Inhabited Area
Operational Condition
Pre-event Summary
The refueling station was working on only one dispenser, because the other one had been shut down for repairing a leakage.
Currency
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
It has been ensured that the taps to the air lines are closed before the workshop is shutdown, removing in this way risk of a similar incident or near miss happening again. Th Producer will check their nitrogen supply to ensure that it keeps the correct pressure in the system also in the event of a compressed air failure.
Event Nature
Emergency Action
Unknown
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
Report provided but confidential