Explosion during transfer of hydrogen from a CGH2 trailer

A series of explosions occurred on an industrial estate on a trailer containing 80,000 cubic feet of hydrogen. Hydrogen was being transferred from the trailer when it leaked, ignited and exploded. The trailer and adjacent buildings were set on fire and workshops severely damaged. Cars nearby were also set on fire.

INITIATING CAUSE
a leakage from the road tanker, during hdyrogen transfer, possibly caused by a mechanical failure and/or shortcoming in executing the transfer procedure.

ROOT CAUSE
It is impossible to attribute without doubt a root cause, but procedure, risk assessment and therefore management could be a good starting point.

trailer

Assuming that the value of 80,000.00 cubic feet provided for the capacity represents standard cft of hydrogen, an inventory of ca. 200 kg was present.

The tanker and adjacent buildings were set on fire and workshops severely damaged. Cars nearby were also set on fire.

Flexible and/or mobile connections and systems are characterised by a higher probability of failure and gas leakage, than stationary systems. Great care should be put in considering this probability and its consequence, taking into account accidental scenarios also the environment in which the hydrogen transfer occurs. It is not only about the fire/explosion at the tanker, it is also about the domino effect which can be triggered by the standing by additional structures and machineries.