An Explosion in the Hydrogen Storage of an Ammonia Production Unit (776)

The explosion took place in the hydrogen gasometer. The bell in the gasometer was lifted 15-20 m straight up and cracked. The cover fell down on the pipe bridge besides the gasometer. The cylindrical part of the bell fell down into the gasometer basin. The reason for the explosion was transportation of oxygen into the hydrogen gasometer. This was due to poor drainage, and corresponding overpressure in the oxygen flow line. No persons were injured. The hydrogen gasometer was destroyed, and there was also considerable damage to the 02 and N2 gasometers.