Release of Hydrogen from a Storage Tank (1091)
A leak occurred at a of a liquid withdrawal valve of a liquid hydrogen storage tank. The hydrogen escaped at the flange between the valve body and the upper part of the valve (flange with tongue and groove). 40 kg of hydrogen were lost.The accidental release was due to the use of bolts different from those prescribed. By using the wrong ones (old bolts), the bolt material was able to flow at the specified tighteningtorque. This meant that there was insufficient tightening torque, which led to a leak.