Investigation of the hydrogen release incident at the AC Transit Emeryville Facility.

Technical Report · Fri Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/1121962· OSTI ID:1121962

Harris, Aaron P. ^[1]; San Marchi, Christopher W. ^[1]; Levin, Jamie ^[2]; Butler, Dennis ^[2]

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1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
2. Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, Oakland, CA (United States)

This report summarizes the investigation of the release of approximately 300kg of hydrogen at the AC Transit Facility in Emeryville, CA. The hydrogen release was avoidable in both the root cause and contributing factors. The report highlights the need for communication in all phases of project planning and implementation. Apart from the failed valve, the hydrogen system functioned as designed, venting the hydrogen gas a safe distance above surrounding structures and keeping the subsequent fire away from personnel and equipment. The Emeryville Fire Department responded appropriately given the information provided to the Incident Commander. No injuries or fatalities resulted from the incident.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States); Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District), Oakland, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1121962
• Report Number(s): SAND2012-5170; 491890
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION