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ProtectosealProtectoseal
MENUMENU
  • Vapor & Flame Products
        • Conservation Relief Vents

          FAB Valve

          End-of-Line Conservation Vent and Flame Arrester

          830

          End-of-Line Conservation Vent and Flame Arrester

          830E

          End-of-Line Conservation Vent and Flame Arrester – ATEX & CE & ISO

          3908-SL

          Pressure and Vacuum Relief Thief Hatch

          5200G

          Weatherhood Free Vent

          6240

          End-of-Line Vacuum Vent

          8540G

          End-of-Line Pressure & Vacuum Conservation Vent – Improved Performance

          8540H

          End-of-Line Pressure & Vacuum Conservation Vent

          8740

          In-Line Pressure and Vacuum Relief Vent

          16240

          Side-Mounted Vacuum Relief Vent

          17800

          Pipe-Away Pressure Relief Vent

          18540D

          Pipe-Away Pressure and Vacuum Relief Vent

          Spring Loaded Data Sheet
        • Emergency Relief Vents

          ERV

          Hinged Emergency Pressure Manhole Cover Vent

          7800

          End-of-Line Emergency Pressure Vent

          51700

          Hinged Emergency Pressure Relief Manhole Cover Vent

          52600

          Emergency Pressure and Vacuum Relief Vent

          53300

          Emergency Pressure Relief Manhole Cover Vent

          54000

          Spring-Loaded Emergency Pressure Relief Vent

          56000

          PIN-TECH™ Bubble-Tight 500 ppm Pressure Relief Vent

          Tank Blanketing Valves

          10

          Pilot Operated Tank Blanketing Valve, 2″

          20

          Pilot Operated Tank Blanketing Valve, 1″

          30

          Spring Operated Tank Blanketing Valve, ½″

        • Flame Arresters

          End-Of-Line Deflagration
          AVC

          Gas Groups: B, C & D | IIB & IIC

          EHB

          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB

          ERB

          Gas Groups: D & C | IIA, IIA1, IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3

          ESA

          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1

          EVA

          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1

          EVB

          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3

          SV

          Gas Groups: D & C | IIA, IIA1, IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3

          670 & 6670

          Gas Groups: D|IIA

          670E

          Gas Groups: D & C | IIA & IIB3

          860

          Gas Groups: D | IIA

          In-Line & Vent-Line Deflagration
          LCA

          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1

          LCB

          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3

          LEA

          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1

          LEB

          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3

          4950

          Gas Groups: D | IIA

          In-Line Unstable Detonation
          UCA

          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1

          UCB

          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3

          UEA

          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1

          25000 & 26000

          Gas Groups: 25000 – D | IIA
          26000 – D & C | IIA & IIB3

          35000 & 36000RP

          Gas Groups: D & C | IIA & IIB3

          Complementary Equipment

          7500

          Lift Assist Sampling Hatch

          4960 & 4980

          Free-Lifting Gauge Hatches

          4970D & 5960D

          Lockdown Gauge Hatches

          780

          Storage Tank Air Dryer

          3000

          Internal Safety Valve

          7300D

          Overflow Valve

          660

          Water Drain Valve

          4276

          Pressure Relief Rim Vent

          40000

          Liquid Level Monitoring

          41000

          Liquid Level Monitoring

          Fuel Tank Safety Caps
  • Industries
        • Biogas

        • Terminals &
          Bulk Storage

        • Oil & Gas

          Offshore

        • Distilleries

        • Chemicals & 

          Petrochemicals

        • Pharmaceuticals

        • Fuel Distribution

        • Wineries

  • Tank Safety
        • Storage Tank Venting

        • Understanding / Specifying
          
Flame & Detonation Arresters

        • Tank Blanketing

        • Industry Regulations

        • Inspection & Maintenance Of Safety Equipment

        • Managing Tank
          
Pressure Safely

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Lessons Learned from the Buncefield Explosion: How to Prevent Tragedies Like This in the Future

Michael Browner2024-11-15T10:58:27+00:00

The Buncefield explosion occurred at one of Europe’s largest fuel storage facilities on December 11th, 2005. It was caused by a fire at an underground storage tank containing aviation fuel. The resulting blast destroyed the oil depot in Hertfordshire, England, causing millions of pounds worth of damage and injuring dozens of people.

Environmental Impact

The Buncefield explosion had a huge environmental impact. The area around the site was evacuated, and many people were left without electricity or gas for many weeks.

The explosion also caused damage to air quality in the surrounding areas. A cloud of toxic chemicals was released into the air, resulting in respiratory problems for many nearby residents.

The blast also caused water contamination due to oil spilling into local rivers and streams; this has led to concerns about the contamination of drinking water supplies and fish populations being affected by toxins in these waterways.

Economic Impact

The explosion had a devastating impact on the local economy of Hertfordshire. The multimillion-pound clean-up process was paid for by insurance companies and government bodies such as The Environment Agency.

The Buncefield site was closed for over two years while investigations took place and the necessary repairs were made; this led to a loss for local businesses that relied on passing trade from motorists using the nearby A1 motorway or passing through Hemel Hempstead town center.

Health Impact

The health impact of the Buncefield explosion is extensive. The mental health impact was immediate and continued for years after the event. Many people have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological conditions due to witnessing such an intense event. Some people were so traumatized by what they saw that they never returned to work.

The physical health effects were also significant, with many people developing respiratory problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to inhaling toxic fumes during the explosion or when cleaning up debris from their homes and businesses. Additionally, many residents experienced headaches or nausea after breathing in smoke produced by burning fuel leaking out of ruptured tanks at the site – a phenomenon known as “vapor clouding”.

Prevention of Future Explosions

The Buncefield explosion was a devastating event that could have been prevented. The first step in avoiding future explosions is to enforce industry regulations and safety protocols in the many installations globally where this is not currently the case.

API Standard 2000 mandates that storage tanks with flammable vapor space require protection from the external environment. Section 145 of HSG 176 suggests that Flame Arresters should be installed at the vent outlet to prevent flames from spreading into the tank. Regular maintenance is recommended to avoid blockages, and Flame Arresters should be incorporated into a planned preventive inspection scheme.

About Protectoseal

The Protectoseal Company was established in 1925 and is based in Bensenville, Illinois, USA. The company designs and manufactures industrial safety products used to control pressures and vacuums in liquid storage tank applications, including protection from flames and detonations involving flammable and explosive vapors. The company’s safety-critical products are manufactured in accordance with relevant international standards and are used in a wide range of industries. The experienced technical team at Protectoseal works closely with a global customer base to design cost-effective solutions that meet or exceed their requirements in terms of both safety and operational performance.   

Contact us today to learn more.

  • Vapor and Flame Solutions
    • Pressure and Vacuum Vents
      • FAB
        End-of-Line Pressure/Vacuum Conservation Vent and Flame Arrester
      • 830
        End-of-Line Conservation Vent and Flame Arrester
      • 830E
        End-of-Line Conservation Vent and Flame Arrester – ATEX / CE / ISO
      • 3908
        Pressure and Vacuum Relief Thief Hatch
      • 5200G
        Weatherhood Free Vent
      • 6240
        End-of-Line Vacuum Vent
      • 8540G
        End-of-Line Pressure / Vacuum Conservation Vent – Improved Performance
      • 8540H
        End-of-Line Pressure / Vacuum Conservation Vent
      • 8740
        In-Line Pressure and Vacuum Relief Vent
      • 16240
        Side-Mounted Vacuum Relief Vent
      • 17800
        Pipe-Away Pressure Relief Vent
      • 18540D
        Pipe-Away Pressure and Vacuum Relief Vent
      • 56000
        PIN-TECH™ Bubble-Tight <500 ppm Pressure Relief Vent
      • Spring Loaded Vents
    • Emergency Relief Vents
      • 7800
        End-of-Line Emergency Pressure Vent
      • 51700
        Hinged Emergency Pressure Relief Manhole Cover Vent
      • 52600
        Emergency Pressure and Vacuum Relief Vent
      • 53300
        Emergency Pressure Relief Manhole Cover Vent
      • 54000
        Spring-Loaded Emergency Pressure Relief Vents
    • Flame Arresters
      • End-of-Line Deflagration Flame Arresters
        • AVC
          Gas Groups: B, C & D |IIB & IIC
        • EHB
          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3
        • ERB
          Gas Groups: D & C |IIA, IIA1, IIB1, 
IIB2 & IIB3
        • ESA
          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1
        • EVA
          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1
        • EVB
          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3
        • SV
          Gas Groups: D & C | IIA, 
IIA1, IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3
        • 670 / 6670
          Gas Groups: D|IIA
        • 670E
          Gas Groups: IIA, IIB3| D, C
        • 860
          Gas Groups: D|IIA
        • 27000 / 29000 / 31000
      • Vent-Line / In-Line Deflagration Flame Arresters
        • LCA
          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1
        • LCB
          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3
        • LEA
          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1
        • LEB
          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3
        • 4950
          Gas Groups: D|IIA
        • 30000
          Gas Groups: D|IIA
        • 45000E / 46000E
          Gas Groups: IIA, IIB3 | D, C
      • In-Line Detonation Flame Arresters
        • UCA
          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1
        • UCB
          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3
        • UEA
          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1
        • 25000 / 26000
          Gas Groups: D, C | IIA, IIB3
        • 25000E / 35000E
          Gas Groups: IIA | D
        • 26000E / 36000E
          Gas Groups: IIA, IIB3 | D, C
        • 35000 / 36000RP
          Gas Groups: D, C | IIA, IIB3
    • Tank Blanketing Valves
      • 10
        Pilot Operated Tank Blanketing Valve, 2″
      • 20
        Pilot Operated Tank Blanketing Valve, 1″
      • 30
        Spring Operated Tank Blanketing Valve, ½″
    • Other Equipment
      • Liquid Level Monitoring
      • Specialty Valves and Fittings
      • Fuel Tank Safety Caps
  • Industries
    • Biogas Product Guide
    • Terminals & Bulk Storage Product Guide
    • Oil & Gas Offshore Product Guide
    • Distilleries Product Guide
    • Petrochemicals Product Guide
    • Pharmaceuticals Product Guide
    • Fuel Distribution Product Guide
    • Wineries Product Guide
  • Tank Safety
    • Storage Tank Venting
    • Understanding / Specifying Flame and Detonation Arresters
    • Tank Blanketing
    • Industry Regulations
    • Inspection & Maintenance 
 Of Safety Equipment
    • Manage Tank Pressure Safely

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Our Locations

USA

Protectoseal US

225 Foster Avenue,
Bensenville,
Illinois, 60106

Tel: +1 630 595 0800

Email: info@protectoseal.com

UK

Protectoseal UK

Coast Road,
Greenfield,
Flintshire, CH8 9DP

Tel: +44 1352 717 560

Email: enquiriesuk@protectoseal.com

INDIA

Protectoseal IN

701 Tropical New Era,
Road 33, Wagle Industrial Estate,
Maharashtra, 400604
Tel: +91 22 4100 6998
Email: sales.eet@protectoseal.in

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Get help from your representative and find the best solution to fit your needs.

“Protectoseal’s selection of Detonation Flame Arresters offer smaller pressure drops than those of its competitors. Over the past few years, we have installed these on all new vapor recovery systems.”

Leading Tank Terminal Storage Company, Belgium

Vapor and Flame Solutions

  • Pressure and Vacuum Relief Vents
  • Emergency Relief Vent
  • Flame and Detonation Arresters
  • Tank Blanketing Valves

Complementary Equipment

  • Liquid Level Monitoring
  • Specialty Valves and Fittings
  • Fuel Tank Safety Caps

Company

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MENUMENU
  • Vapor & Flame Products
        • Conservation Relief Vents

          FAB Valve

          End-of-Line Conservation Vent and Flame Arrester

          830

          End-of-Line Conservation Vent and Flame Arrester

          830E

          End-of-Line Conservation Vent and Flame Arrester – ATEX & CE & ISO

          3908-SL

          Pressure and Vacuum Relief Thief Hatch

          5200G

          Weatherhood Free Vent

          6240

          End-of-Line Vacuum Vent

          8540G

          End-of-Line Pressure & Vacuum Conservation Vent – Improved Performance

          8540H

          End-of-Line Pressure & Vacuum Conservation Vent

          8740

          In-Line Pressure and Vacuum Relief Vent

          16240

          Side-Mounted Vacuum Relief Vent

          17800

          Pipe-Away Pressure Relief Vent

          18540D

          Pipe-Away Pressure and Vacuum Relief Vent

          Spring Loaded Data Sheet
        • Emergency Relief Vents

          ERV

          Hinged Emergency Pressure Manhole Cover Vent

          7800

          End-of-Line Emergency Pressure Vent

          51700

          Hinged Emergency Pressure Relief Manhole Cover Vent

          52600

          Emergency Pressure and Vacuum Relief Vent

          53300

          Emergency Pressure Relief Manhole Cover Vent

          54000

          Spring-Loaded Emergency Pressure Relief Vent

          56000

          PIN-TECH™ Bubble-Tight 500 ppm Pressure Relief Vent

          Tank Blanketing Valves

          10

          Pilot Operated Tank Blanketing Valve, 2″

          20

          Pilot Operated Tank Blanketing Valve, 1″

          30

          Spring Operated Tank Blanketing Valve, ½″

        • Flame Arresters

          End-Of-Line Deflagration
          AVC

          Gas Groups: B, C & D | IIB & IIC

          EHB

          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB

          ERB

          Gas Groups: D & C | IIA, IIA1, IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3

          ESA

          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1

          EVA

          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1

          EVB

          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3

          SV

          Gas Groups: D & C | IIA, IIA1, IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3

          670 & 6670

          Gas Groups: D|IIA

          670E

          Gas Groups: D & C | IIA & IIB3

          860

          Gas Groups: D | IIA

          In-Line & Vent-Line Deflagration
          LCA

          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1

          LCB

          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3

          LEA

          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1

          LEB

          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3

          4950

          Gas Groups: D | IIA

          In-Line Unstable Detonation
          UCA

          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1

          UCB

          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3

          UEA

          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1

          25000 & 26000

          Gas Groups: 25000 – D | IIA
          26000 – D & C | IIA & IIB3

          35000 & 36000RP

          Gas Groups: D & C | IIA & IIB3

          Complementary Equipment

          7500

          Lift Assist Sampling Hatch

          4960 & 4980

          Free-Lifting Gauge Hatches

          4970D & 5960D

          Lockdown Gauge Hatches

          780

          Storage Tank Air Dryer

          3000

          Internal Safety Valve

          7300D

          Overflow Valve

          660

          Water Drain Valve

          4276

          Pressure Relief Rim Vent

          40000

          Liquid Level Monitoring

          41000

          Liquid Level Monitoring

          Fuel Tank Safety Caps
  • Industries
        • Biogas

        • Terminals &
          Bulk Storage

        • Oil & Gas

          Offshore

        • Distilleries

        • Chemicals & 

          Petrochemicals

        • Pharmaceuticals

        • Fuel Distribution

        • Wineries

  • Tank Safety
        • Storage Tank Venting

        • Understanding / Specifying
          
Flame & Detonation Arresters

        • Tank Blanketing

        • Industry Regulations

        • Inspection & Maintenance Of Safety Equipment

        • Managing Tank
          
Pressure Safely

  • Vapor and Flame Solutions
    • Pressure and Vacuum Vents
      • FAB
        End-of-Line Pressure/Vacuum Conservation Vent and Flame Arrester
      • 830
        End-of-Line Conservation Vent and Flame Arrester
      • 830E
        End-of-Line Conservation Vent and Flame Arrester – ATEX / CE / ISO
      • 3908
        Pressure and Vacuum Relief Thief Hatch
      • 5200G
        Weatherhood Free Vent
      • 6240
        End-of-Line Vacuum Vent
      • 8540G
        End-of-Line Pressure / Vacuum Conservation Vent – Improved Performance
      • 8540H
        End-of-Line Pressure / Vacuum Conservation Vent
      • 8740
        In-Line Pressure and Vacuum Relief Vent
      • 16240
        Side-Mounted Vacuum Relief Vent
      • 17800
        Pipe-Away Pressure Relief Vent
      • 18540D
        Pipe-Away Pressure and Vacuum Relief Vent
      • 56000
        PIN-TECH™ Bubble-Tight <500 ppm Pressure Relief Vent
      • Spring Loaded Vents
    • Emergency Relief Vents
      • 7800
        End-of-Line Emergency Pressure Vent
      • 51700
        Hinged Emergency Pressure Relief Manhole Cover Vent
      • 52600
        Emergency Pressure and Vacuum Relief Vent
      • 53300
        Emergency Pressure Relief Manhole Cover Vent
      • 54000
        Spring-Loaded Emergency Pressure Relief Vents
    • Flame Arresters
      • End-of-Line Deflagration Flame Arresters
        • AVC
          Gas Groups: B, C & D |IIB & IIC
        • EHB
          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3
        • ERB
          Gas Groups: D & C |IIA, IIA1, IIB1, 
IIB2 & IIB3
        • ESA
          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1
        • EVA
          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1
        • EVB
          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3
        • SV
          Gas Groups: D & C | IIA, 
IIA1, IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3
        • 670 / 6670
          Gas Groups: D|IIA
        • 670E
          Gas Groups: IIA, IIB3| D, C
        • 860
          Gas Groups: D|IIA
        • 27000 / 29000 / 31000
      • Vent-Line / In-Line Deflagration Flame Arresters
        • LCA
          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1
        • LCB
          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3
        • LEA
          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1
        • LEB
          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3
        • 4950
          Gas Groups: D|IIA
        • 30000
          Gas Groups: D|IIA
        • 45000E / 46000E
          Gas Groups: IIA, IIB3 | D, C
      • In-Line Detonation Flame Arresters
        • UCA
          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1
        • UCB
          Gas Groups: C | IIB1, IIB2 & IIB3
        • UEA
          Gas Groups: D | IIA & IIA1
        • 25000 / 26000
          Gas Groups: D, C | IIA, IIB3
        • 25000E / 35000E
          Gas Groups: IIA | D
        • 26000E / 36000E
          Gas Groups: IIA, IIB3 | D, C
        • 35000 / 36000RP
          Gas Groups: D, C | IIA, IIB3
    • Tank Blanketing Valves
      • 10
        Pilot Operated Tank Blanketing Valve, 2″
      • 20
        Pilot Operated Tank Blanketing Valve, 1″
      • 30
        Spring Operated Tank Blanketing Valve, ½″
    • Other Equipment
      • Liquid Level Monitoring
      • Specialty Valves and Fittings
      • Fuel Tank Safety Caps
  • Industries
    • Biogas Product Guide
    • Terminals & Bulk Storage Product Guide
    • Oil & Gas Offshore Product Guide
    • Distilleries Product Guide
    • Petrochemicals Product Guide
    • Pharmaceuticals Product Guide
    • Fuel Distribution Product Guide
    • Wineries Product Guide
  • Tank Safety
    • Storage Tank Venting
    • Understanding / Specifying Flame and Detonation Arresters
    • Tank Blanketing
    • Industry Regulations
    • Inspection & Maintenance 
 Of Safety Equipment
    • Manage Tank Pressure Safely
MENUMENU
  • Company
  • Solutions
    • Technology Solutions
    • Case Studies
  • Resources
    • Downloads
    • Videos
  • News
  • Rep Locator
  • Contact Us
  • PRO-FLOW ®