The research team conducted a survey to investigate the cause of the ammonia leak at an ice factory in Chonburi Province on May 14, 2024. Images of the breakdown in the ice production equipment are provided in the attached file. The team analyzed the incident using the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) method and developed Boolean algebra equations. Subsequently, a risk assessment was performed based on the criteria set by the Department of Industrial Works. The findings revealed that the use of non-standard bearings and non-heat-resistant lubricants caused the pump to fail, preventing the delivery of water needed to cool the evaporator condenser unit. Consequently, the ammonia delivery pipe ruptured, resulting in a leak.
Funding
This research project was supported by a grant (ID02/2566) from Public health, Burapha University, Thailand