Release and fire from a hydrogen pipeline

An in-line inspection of the hydrogen pipeline was being conducted and prior to the last run of the in-line inspection tool (magnetic flux leakage), hydrogen gas was released and ignited from a blind flange connection failure on a temporary separator filter installed at the receiver site. The fire was immediately identified by on-site personnel. There were no injuries. The pipeline section was isolated and de-pressurised to the facility flare. Local emergency responders were dispatched and contained and extinguished the fire. The fire affected the station piping and equipment in the surrounding area. Repairs and/or replacement of affected piping and equipment were completed and re-commissioned.

Failure of a blind flange connection, which had been temporarily installed to allow for an in-line inspection. According to the PHMSA report, there was no reason for an investigation, because there was no indication that the actions of the controller(s) or control room were the cause of, or a contributing factor to, the incident. The most logic explanation of the failure would then be a wrong installation of the temporary flange.  

H2 pipeline

The incident occurred during an inline inspection.

The pipeline section was isolated and de-pressurised to the facility flare. Local emergency responders were dispatched and contained and extinguished the fire. The fire affected the station piping and equipment in the surrounding area.