Release Without Ignition from a Refinery Pipeline
During a patrol, an operator detects a hydrogen leak in a refinery on a footbridge 30 meters high. The origin of the leak is identified 4 days later on a pipe under insulation. The operator proceeds to remove the insulation (under SCBA). The leak is located at the level of a reinforcing saddle. The installation is shut down and put under nitrogen. Thickness measurements and radiographic checks are used to characterise the nature of the crack defect. A leak sealing system (SOFM) is put in place while awaiting the removal of the pipework for assessment during the next shutdown.
Event Date
June 4, 2019
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Cause Comments
The immediate cause of the leak was a crack defect on the reinforcing saddle of a hydrogen pipe.No detailed is known on the failure mechanism.
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
hydrogen pipeline
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Event Nature
Emergency Action
The installation is shut down and put under nitrogen. A leak sealing system is put in place, allowing for further operation till the next shutdown when the pipework will be replaced.
Release Type
Release Substance
Hydrogen Release Concentration (%)
100.00
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
ARIA event no. 55163