An Explosion on a Hydrogenation Reactor of a Pharmaceutical Products Plant (252)

The explosion occurred while starting up for the first time a hydrogenation reactor.The reactor was being commissioned, by performing tightness tests under hydrogen atmosphere at very high pressure. The rupture of one of the seals caused a hydrogen release followed by the auto ignition of a 30 liter air/hydrogen mixture. Five employees were injured. Material damage was confined to the immediate perimeter of the reactor. The hydrogen detectors controlling the closing of the H2 supply valve had not yet been installed.