Unexpected Hydrogen Presence in a Brine Tank
Employee #2 was using a torch to cut a U-bolt on the bypass piping next to a brine surge tank that potentially contained hydrogen gas in a vapour space in the upper portion of the tank. His job was to remove and replace the brine line that was connected to the top of the tank. Just before the accident, Employee #1 was on top of the tank unbolting the brine line. He was launched into the air by an explosion and struck against some piping or other structure, He was killed. Employee #2 was struck by piping and knocked backward. His head struck a curb and he was injured.
Event Date
November 5, 1986
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Causes
Cause Comments
Residual hydrogen inside a brine tank exposed to air during maintenance
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
brine surge tank
Location Type
Location description
Industrial Area
Pre-event Summary
Employee #2 was using a torch to cut a U-bolt on the bypass piping next to a brine surge tank that potentially contained hydrogen gas in a vapor space in the upper portion of the tank. His job was to remove and replace the brine line that was connected to the top of the tank. Just before the accident, Employee #1 was on top of the tank unbolting the brine line.
Currency
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Unknown
Event Nature
Emergency Action
Unknown
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) Accident Summary Nr: 14503387 - One Killed, One Injured In Brine Surge Tank Explosion
https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/accidentsearch.accident_detail?id=145033…
(accessed October 2020)