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THIS ARTICLE GIVE US LESSONS FROM AN ACCIDENT HAPPENED AT U.S. WITH HYDROGEN EXPLOSION,
-On January 8, 2007, a hydrogen explosion at the Muskingum River Power Plants 585-MW coal-fired supercritical Unit 5 caused one fatality, injuries to 10 other people, and significant damage to several buildings. The explosion occurred during a routine delivery of hydrogen when a hydrogen relief device failed, which allowed the contents of the hydrogen tank to escape and be ignited by an unknown source. This article covers the findings of the incident investigation and the actions the plant has taken to prevent a reoccurrence. -The explosion at Muskingum River Power Plant underscores the importance of implementing safe equipment design and construction as well as proper procedures for handling hydrogen in order to prevent the loss of life and property at power plants. -The plant, owned by Ohio Power Co., a subsidiary of American Electric Power Co. Inc. (AEP), is located on the west bank of the Muskingum River near Beverly, Ohio. The plants Unit 5 has been in service since 1968. Prior to this incident, the plant had a long history of strong safety compliance.
The Explosion
-McCullough explained what happened when the explosion occurred on January 8, 2007.
-"A hydrogen relief device failed, permitting the contents of the hydrogen tank in question to be relieved and be ignited by an unknown source," he said. "The explosion fatally injured the vendors driver and also injured 10 others who had been working nearby. The explosion caused significant damage to the units service building, turbine room, and steam generator building" -McCullough noted that "Ohio Power Co. accident responders and first aid workers responded immediately to the scene to fight the fire and attend to the injured." Local fire department and emergency medical technicians also quickly responded to the incident and assisted with emergency response and evacuation actions
-"Muskingum River Power Plant employees and employees of plants owned by Ohio Power Co. and its sister corporations (AEP employees) took immediate action to prevent recurrence," McCullough said. "The remaining relief devices were verified as being the correct design and constructed with fusible plugs." -The hydrogen vendor was restricted to delivering only 2,100-psi hydrogen to the site (versus the typical 2,400 psi), and the vendors employees are now under observation by AEP employees using a defined procedure, the Job Hazard Analysis and Job Safety Assessment Checklist, McCullough explained. -AEP has made other changes in plant operations to further ensure that no more hazardous incidents occur at the facility. "In addition to the procedure changes, the hydrogen system was redesigned and rebuilt to eliminate the use of rupture disc style relief devices," he said. "Now a relief valve system is used that will reset once pressures have been reduced. The cylinders have been moved away from spaces occupied by people, and the structure is protected from vehicle encroachment and ignition sources."
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