November 2013
Accident 19 November 2013 at Antwerp refinery in Belgium
On the 19th of November 2013 at 3pm, a steam explosion occurred at the Total Refinery, Antwerp Belgium.
The accident involved the boiler feed water system (operating pressure 70 barg (1,015 psi), operating temperature 280°C (536°F) of the continuous catalytic reforming unit (CCR, unit 72).
Two employees of a contractor company were killed instantaneously.
These two technicians were in the process of performing a leak sealing job on an existing leak box on the bonnet flange of a 16 inch motorized valve, when all twenty stud-bolts of the flange ruptured.
The bonnet and motor were launched into the process area, and landed at a 25 m (82 ft.) distance.
The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.
Source.. Total refinery