Process Gas Explosion in a Ammonia Plant
In a chemical plant , a process gas leak (4% ammonia and 88% hydrogen) occurs during a purge operation. The cloud of gas ignites and explodes. An employee is killed.
Event Date
June 29, 1975
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Cause Comments
The immediate cause is the leak and ignition of a 4% ammonia - 88% hydrogen mixture The root cause is unknown
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
process gas line
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Pre-event Summary
The accident occurred during a purge operation.
Currency
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Unknown
Event Nature
Emergency Action
Unknown
Release Type
Release Substance
Hydrogen Release Concentration (%)
88.00
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References