Cracked compressor discharge line leaks refrigerant
Incident Investigation
Cracked compressor discharge line leaks refrigerant
July 20, 2017
Boiler, PV and Refrigeration
Reference Number:
5619043
Incident overview
The P24 ice maker compressor discharge line cracked resulting in most of the refrigerant charge being lost, and a minor injury to one employee who entered the room. (Inhalation and subsequent discomfort)
Regulated industry sector
Industrial
Location
Duncan, BC
Investigation conclusions
Site, system and components
Compressor discharges high pressure, high temperature gas through this line to the evaporative condenser.
Failure scenario(s)
Years of vibration from the compressor is the likely cause of the copper line cracking.
Facts and evidence
There are no other indications other than what is noted above as contributing factors that lead to this incident.
Impact
- Injury
- Qty injuries: 1
- Injury description: Employee felt weak, dizzy, and faint. Was transported to hospital and later released. Returned to work the next day, therefore no lost time.
- Injury rating: Minor
- Damage description: Compressor discharge line cracked, resulting in R22 refrigerant loss of containment.
- Damage rating: Minor
Incident rating
Minor