Pollution
Humain
Environnement
Economique

In an ammonia synthesis loop, the synthesis gas (75% H2 and 25% N2 at 30°C) leaked from a sectional valve of level control device of a capacity at 250 bar. An explosion occurred killing the two workers from an outside company who intervened and triggering a fire in the facility. No consequence outside the site has been reported. Four other operations were carried out on this valve in less than a year without stopping the leak. A follow-up (mountings, bolts) with record of all operations has been implemented for all critical equipment from a safety standpoint. An overall inspection of the sub-contracting process was organised.