Corroded Internal Tube in Heat Exchanger Allows Ammonia to Escape
Incident Investigation
Corroded Internal Tube in Heat Exchanger Allows Ammonia to Escape
March 23, 2023
Boiler, PV and Refrigeration
Reference Number:
II-1525688-2023 (#33731)
Location: Richmond, BC
Regulated industry sector: Boilers, Pressure Vessels, and Refrigeration – Refrigeration System
Incident Overview
A heat exchanger at an ice rink leaked ammonia gas into a liquid brine tank. The ammonia pooled within an open sump and eventually spilled out into the mechanical room. The leak occurred when an internal tube, which had corroded over time, failed. The heat exchanger was not repairable and needed replacement.