Severity
Incident
Was Hydrogen Released?
Yes
Was There Ignition?
Yes
Ignition Source
Friction From the High-Velocity Gas Flow
Incident Date
May 24, 1996
Setting
Equipment
- Motive Power Systems
- Electric Pump
- Process Equipment
- Chemical Separations Unit
Damage and Injuries
Probable Cause
Contributing Factors
When Incident Was Discovered
Lessons Learned
Hazards should be eliminated to the extent possible rather than depending on workers to follow an operations manual.
Potassium carbonate draw-off operations should be improved, and the operations manual should be revised. The manual should be reviewed by workers before maintenance activities are started. Training on mandatory compliance with the operations manual should be carried out for all staff involved in hydrogen plant operations and maintenance.