Hazard Identification of Liquid Hydrogen in Transfer Operations

This paper presents a hazard identification analysis for Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) in transfer operations, focusing on identifying sources of LH2 release and the associated initiating events. The analysis involves the loading of an LH2 storage tank from a trailer. The Master Logic Diagram (MLD) methodology, developed for chemical installations, is employed to identify initiating events. Two major categories of events leading to Loss of Containment are further investigated: events that lead in the direct structural failure of the containment, such as overpressure, embrittlement, etc., and events that lead to containment bypass. The development of the MLD is also based on a systematic analysis of previous accidents. Following the identification of initiating events, the paper outlines the possible accident sequences and damage states resulting to LH2 release.