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Burns caused by release of steam and boiling water from overheated pump

A member has reported an injury caused by boiling water from an overheated centrifugal pump. During filling and pigging operations, a high volume centrifugal pump overheated due to the motion of the pump impeller. This caused the water in the pump casing to flash to steam, increasing the pressure in the pump casing and suction hose. The pressure caused the suction hose at the pump inlet to separate violently from the suction hose fitting, spraying steam and boiling water over a worker stood nearby. The worker received second degree burns to his legs.

The company has recommended that all operations using high volume centrifugal pumps should evaluate the procedures and piping systems in use, and ensure that they are ‘fit for purpose’, to prevent a reoccurrence of this type of incident.

Safety Event

Published: 30 April 2006
Download: IMCA SF 05/06

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