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This data is from the European Hydrogen Incidents and Accidents database HIAD 2.1, European Commission, Joint Research Centre.

Release at a Cooling System of a Polymerization Plant
While de-plugging a cooling circuit, a blockage suddenly released, causing a heavy movement of a flexible hose connected to the system. The flexible hose hit several small pipes and one employee standing nearby. Due to the broken pipework there was a release of hydrogen and butane for about five minutes. Sprinkler systems were activated, no ignition occurred.
Event Date
May 11, 2001
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Cause Comments
The immediate cause was a mechanical failure, the root cause is not reported. However, an abnormal situation had occurred previously during the day, hinting probably at some human and/or organization error.
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
cooling circuit, hose, pipes, Plastics and rubber manufacture
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Operational Condition
Pre-event Summary
De-blocking of a cooler was done by using water at high pressure, but with great difficulties. During the day, a nitrogen feed had been temporarily opened out of fear for an explosive atmosphere in the receiving tank-truck. When the water pressure was put on the system again, a nitrogen plug was probably compressed. When the blockage released, the plug was ejected with great velocity, causing the connected flexible hose to move violently.
Currency
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
EHSP assessment: "Deviations on working procedures should only be allowed after thorough evaluation."
Event Nature
Emergency Action
Sprinkler systems were activated to contain hydrocarbon cloud and to prevent ignition. Leaking pipes were blocked after five minutes. The injured employee was hospitalised.
Emergency Evaluation
An explosion could have destroyed the entire polymerisation unit.
Release Type
Release Substance
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References

Event description in the European database eMARS (accessed December 2020)

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