Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Hydrogen safety" in English language version.
Engineering Systems, Inc. conducted an independent investigation into the root cause of the explosion, which determined the cause to be human error that resulted in the mistaken addition of an erroneous ingredient.
Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur.
The initial source of fire was likely a release of hydrogen from a failed weld on a pressure switch.
An electrical short circuit occurred, causing a small electrical fire.
Contributing cause was poor design of the venting system, which was installed in a horizontal position, causing inadequate venting and buildup of static electricity.
One theory presented the possibility of a spark (caused by static electricity) being the source of the ignition that caused the fire. Due to the proximity of the fuel cell unit to a shrink-wrap packaging machine at the time of the incident, this seemed to be a plausible hypothesis.
As a corrective action, eliminate burst discs from hydrogen storage assembly. Redesign venting system for the pressure relief valves to prevent or inhibit moisture build up and allow moisture drainage.
Explore elimination of rupture disk PRDs and substitution of spring-style relief valves.
valve stem material incompatibility with hydrogen (causing a material weakening) is suspected
A GH2 leak occurred in an underground ASTM A106 Grade B, Schedule XX carbon steel pipe with a 3.5-inch diameter and a 0.6-inch wall thickness. The pipe was coated with coal tar primer and coal tar enamel, wrapped with asbestos felt impregnated with coal tar, coated with a second coat of coal tar enamel, and wrapped in Kraft paper, in accordance with American Water Works Association Standard G203. The source of the leak was an oval hole about 0.15 in x 0.20 in at the inner surface of the pipe and about 2-in in diameter at the outer surface of the pipe. Upon excavation of the pipe, it was noted that the coating was not present at the leak point. This resulted in galvanic corrosion over a 15-year period and the eventual rupture when high-pressure gas was applied to the thin pipe membrane. The pipe was 8 ft 9 in below the concrete pad.
This allowed greater movement of the shaft, which led to a shaft seal leaking hydrogen.
Place signs on all liquid hydrogen tanks indicating that no water is to be put on the vent stack.
I live more than 3km away... and the blast made my windows shake
Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur.