Disclaimer: The Lessons Learned Database includes the incidents that were voluntarily submitted. The database is not a comprehensive source for all incidents that have occurred.
The tube was 403 stainless steel, which is subject to hydrogen embrittlement. It is requested that all gauges that have bourdon tubes be replaced with 303 stainless steel.
A web-based resource developed by Sandia National Laboratories to…
The charging characteristics of a battery vary with the condition of the battery and are proportional to the ampere-hour capacity of the battery. During charging, when a battery is close to being fully charged, hydrogen and oxygen both offgas in…
It is characteristic of silver/zinc batteries to outgas both hydrogen and oxygen for several hours after discharge. Also, in the future, the battery should be properly secured inside the container.
Refueling operations need to be conducted in a careful and attentive manner, and operators need to be aware of the potential consequences of their actions.
The site needs to implement a good Operational and Readiness Inspection procedure. System inspection deficiencies need to be identified, and (if possible) reviewed by a second party before future tests are conducted. This inspection could include…
Extra caution should be taken when working around elevated pressure storage tanks. Pressure relief valve settings should be checked and then verified by a second party if possible. Proper procedures need to be followed at all times.
Normally hydrogen fires are not extinguished until the supply of hydrogen has been shut off due to the danger of re-ignition and explosion. During a gas leak/fire, it is important to shut off the source of the hydrogen if it is safe to do so. If…
Lessons Learned The site initiated the establishment of a field patrol and strengthened their onsite monitoring of mechanical equipment during a plant-wide temperature rise.
Although a functional fire protection system would have helped to extinguish the fire, a properly installed hydrogen detection system, coupled with a properly designed ventilation system, could have prevented the incident altogether.
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Routine maintenance activities on pressurized hydrogen systems should be conducted per written design specifications. The procedures should provide detailed oversight regarding bolt, nut and fitting replacements or repairs. A formal review…
This incident emphasizes the need for proper gas detection and ventilation systems, as well as fire suppression systems, in laboratories using and storing hydrogen. This is especially true when open flame burners are in close proximity.…
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…
Fail-safe position of control valves in supply lines must be set correctly to prevent damage to pressure vessels.
Recommendation
Set all valves for fail safe operation (open or closed) according to needs before installation…
Failure of a diaphragm is not infrequent, but the seizure of the main nut threads is very rare. The manufacturer claimed this had never occurred before with this type of unit. The broken plunger is likely the result of poor instructions/…
The visiting intern had several years of experience in research projects and tasks that were similar to those in progress at this laboratory. This led to the incorrect assumption that formal introductory training for this laboratory was…
After the aforementioned incident, a rigid cage was designed to protect the reactor from external conditions, and to protect the contents of the hood and any experimenter from the reactor, in the event of a pressure burst from the reactor cell.…
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