Many accidents reported from paper mills have much in common with this incident. Microorganisms in the process water with pulp produce hydrogen gas that mixes with air to form an explosive atmosphere. The ignition source is typically sparks…

Although the preparation-for-transport procedures were done the same way they were done for previous outreach programs, this time it proved to be a different situation. It is not clear what caused the ignition of the first balloon, which then set…

Safe storage and transportation of balloons filled with a hydrogen-oxygen mixture is a very risky undertaking. There are few scenarios that do not involve enclosed spaces (e.g., a car) and the potential for static discharge. Perhaps a mesh bag…

The investigation team concluded that hydrogen gas was released through a failed 19-inch diameter gasket and ignited under the roof of the compressor shed where it was partially confined. Some gas escaped from the shed prior to the explosion, but…

The ignition of the fireball could have been caused by any of the following mechanisms:

• The inverse Joule-Thompson effect of hydrogen (i.e., heating upon expansion)
• Some of the oil and light ends were above their auto-…

1. The presence of other flammable impurities (e.g., oil carryover from compressors, hydrocarbon contamination of the gas) is an additional hazard and should be eliminated before cryogenic purification.
2. Potential sources of oxygen in…

1. Carbon steel Nelson curve methodology cannot be depended on to prevent HTHA equipment failures and cannot be reliably used to predict the occurrence of HTHA equipment damage. Revisions to recommended practices should be considered…