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.


Accident Antwerp refinery in Belgium photo 1

The bonnet and motor were launched into the process area, and landed at a 25 m (82 ft.) distance.


Accident Antwerp refinery in Belgium photo 2

The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.

Source.. Total refinery



Explore the World of Piping


© Werner Sölken 2008 -  
All rights reserved.
www.wermac.org uses Google Analytics


I must be old. I still believe in respect.