Severity
Near-Miss
Leak
Yes
Ignition
No

The sensing diaphragm of a pressure transducer (PT), as supplied on an outdoor hydrogen compressor, unexpectedly ruptured and released approximately 0.1 kilograms hydrogen to atmosphere from the compressor discharge line. At time of incident, personnel nearby were alerted by a loud 'pop' and dust disturbance. Simultaneously, the facility monitoring system detected loss of the PT signal and initiated equipment shutdown. Facility personnel then closed isolation hand valves to stop the leak, locked and tagged out the equipment, and restricted the area. The failed component, a cigar type PT rated to 20,000 psi, originally supplied and installed by the manufacturer as part of the compressor package, was removed and inspected. Inspection revealed severed wires, a separated wire housing, missing electronics and damaged electrical potting. The PT was on a line protected by a pressure safety valve set to 15,400 psi.

Facility investigators later discovered that the failed discharge PT was manufactured with a 17-4PH stainless steel diaphragm. This type of stainless steel, while an industry standard for high pressure resistance with other materials, is known in industry to be incompatible with hydrogen. The compressor manufacturer's supplied documentation generally claimed use of materials resistant to effects of H2 embrittlement at expected operating conditions, but did not identify the specific materials of internal components such as PT diaphragms. The facility operator's commissioning procedures included functional test of PTs but did not include review of individual compressor component specifications. Subsequent communications between facility investigators and compressor representatives revealed that the compressor manufacturer did not intend to supply 17-4PH material in its compressor components; the diaphragm material was overlooked by the compressor manufacturer when sourcing the PT.

Incident Date
Jan 15, 2019
Equipment
  • Motive Power Systems
  • Compressor
  • Pressure Relief Devices
  • Pressure Transducer
  • Safety Systems
  • Electrical Safety Interlocks
Contributing Factors
Characteristics
When Incident Discovered
Lessons Learned

Maintain an internal process for verifying component wetted material compatibility for intended use as part of the procurement process for hydrogen system equipment. It is critical that component parts be appropriately rated for the materials, pressures, temperatures, and other conditions experienced during operation of the system in which they are a part. Don’t rely solely on a manufacturer to provide appropriately rated materials and components. Verify components and their specifications as early in the design or procurement process as possible. Manufacturer-provided literature (brochures, instruction manuals, bills of materials, etc.) may not always identify the specific materials for each component, so verification may require Internet research or contacting the manufacturer to obtain the necessary information or certification. (Reference https://h2tools.org/tech-ref/technical-reference-for-hydrogen-compatibi…)

Key:

  • = No Ignition
  • = Explosion
  • = Fire
Hydrogen Incident Summaries by Equipment and Primary Cause/Issue
Equipment / Cause Equipment Design or Selection Component Failure Operational Error Installation or Maintenance Inadequate Gas or Flame Detection Emergency Shutdown Response Other or Unknown
Hydrogen Gas Metal Cylinder or Regulator   3/31/2012
4/30/1995
2/6/2013
4/26/2010 12/31/1969     3/17/1999
11/1/2001
12/23/2003
Piping/Valves 4/4/2002
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
2/7/2009 1/24/1999
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
1/1/1982 9/30/2004
10/7/2005
  10/7/2005  
Compressor   10/5/2009
6/10/2007
8/21/2008
1/15/2019
    10/5/2009 8/21/2008  
Liquid Hydrogen Tank or Delivery Truck 4/27/1989 12/19/2004
1/19/2009
8/6/2004 12/31/1969   1/1/1974 12/17/2004
Pressure Relief Device 7/25/2013
5/4/2012
1/15/2002
1/08/2007
12/31/1969        
Instrument 1/15/2019 3/17/1999
12/31/1969
2/6/2013
    11/13/73    
Hydrogen Generation Equipment 7/27/1999     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