Syngas Fire at a Shift Catalyst Reactor
There was a small leak of syngas (a mixture mainly consisting of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) resulting in a localized fire at a bolted flange joint on the outlet carbon steel pipework of the High Temperature Shift Catalyst Vessel.
Event Date
November 23, 2007
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
High Temperature Shift Catalyst Vessel.
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Operational Condition
Consequences
Number of Injured Persons
1
Currency
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Unknown
Event Nature
Emergency Action
The incident was identified and quickly brought under control by initiating a controlled shutdown of the plant where the flame size was reduced and ultimately extinguished.
Emergency Evaluation
It was not considered necessary to initiate the plant Emergency Shutdown procedure. The leak occurred at an elevated and un-occupied position on the vessel.
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
Event description provided by HSE, original source confidential