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Hydrogen Tube Trailer Multiple-Vehicle Accident with Fire

Severity
Incident
Was Hydrogen Released?
Yes
Was There Ignition?
Yes
Incident Date
Incident Attributes
Damage and Injuries
Probable Cause
Contributing Factors
When Incident Was Discovered
Lessons Learned

A hydrogen tube pressure indication system needs to be developed that is robust enough to withstand an accident, indicates hydrogen pressure regardless of valve position, and would be visible from a safe distance during an accident situation. Hydrogen system pressure is very important in determining incident response actions. Centralizing the system pressure indicators on a highly visible information panel located in a protected area of the tube trailer is a possible solution to increase visibility. Fragile manometers should be replaced with more robust instruments and associated piping/components that can survive accident situations. Finally, pressure indications in all areas of the hydrogen system are desired, but especially the internal hydrogen tube pressure. System pressure components should be designed so that hydrogen pressure in the tubes is measured even when valves are closed and tubes are isolated.
Increased structural protection is needed at the back of the hydrogen tube trailer to protect the vulnerable hydrogen systems components in this location (e.g., valves, pressure-indicating devices, manifolds, piping) in case of an accident. More robust components (especially the pressure-indicating manometers) and better support/tie-down to the tube trailer of the hydrogen pressure components may be beneficial.
Hydrogen valves should have a visible means to show that they are in the closed position. A highly visible lock or pin that can only be used when the valves are closed may help guarantee valve closure prior to transport. If the valve positions are visible, an operating procedure could be added that requires a final valve line-up check just prior to hydrogen tube trailer departure.
The hydrogen tubes need more fire protection/heat shielding at their location on the tube trailer, especially as related to the key fire load sources (combustible material) at the tire and fuel/oil locations. Local shielding, both at the fire source and at the protected destination, should be considered to provide the best method for reducing flame impingement and thermal loading/impact on the hydrogen tubes and associated components during a fire. Consideration should also be given to hydrogen tubes and components designed for higher pressures and greater fire resistance.

Key:

  • = No Ignition
  • = Explosion
  • = Fire
Hydrogen Incident Summaries by Equipment and Primary Cause/Issue
Equipment / CauseEquipment Design or SelectionComponent FailureOperational ErrorInstallation or MaintenanceInadequate Gas or Flame DetectionEmergency Shutdown ResponseOther or Unknown
Hydrogen Gas Metal Cylinder or Regulator 3/31/2012
4/30/1995
2/6/2013
4/26/201012/31/1969  3/17/1999
11/1/2001
12/23/2003
Piping/Valves4/4/2002
2/2/2008
5/11/1999
4/20/1987
11/4/1997
12/31/1969
8/19/1986
7/27/1991
12/19/2004
2/6/2008
10/3/2008
4/5/2006
5/1/2007
9/19/2007
10/31/1980
2/7/20091/24/1999
2/24/2006
6/8/1998
12/31/1969
2/7/2009
9/1/1992
10/31/1980
10/3/2008 
Tubing/Fittings/Hose 9/23/1999
8/2/2004
8/6/2008
9/19/2007
1/1/19829/30/2004
10/7/2005
 10/7/2005 
Compressor 10/5/2009
6/10/2007
8/21/2008
1/15/2019
  10/5/20098/21/2008 
Liquid Hydrogen Tank or Delivery Truck4/27/198912/19/2004
1/19/2009
8/6/200412/31/1969 1/1/197412/17/2004
Pressure Relief Device7/25/2013
5/4/2012
1/15/2002
1/08/2007
12/31/1969    
Instrument1/15/20193/17/1999
12/31/1969
2/6/2013
  11/13/73  
Hydrogen Generation Equipment7/27/1999  10/23/2001   
Vehicle or Lift Truck 7/21/2011    2/8/2011
12/9/2010
Fuel Dispenser 8/2/2004
5/1/2007
6/11/2007
9/19/2007
 2/24/2006
1/22/2009
   
Fuel Cell Stack      5/3/2004
12/9/2010
2/8/2011
Hydrogen Cooled Generator   12/31/1969
2/7/2009
   
Other (floor drain, lab
anaerobic chamber,
heated glassware,
test chamber,
gaseous hydrogen
composite cylinder,
delivery truck)
 11/14/1994
7/21/2011
7/27/1999
6/28/2010
8/21/2008
12/31/1969
3/22/2018
  6/10/2019
  • = No Ignition
  • = Explosion
  • = Fire
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