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Atmospheric tanks: The big bang theory

Buncefield fire

The UK has recently seen a number of 
explosions involving atmospheric tanks, 
with major incidents at Buncefield and 
Pembroke. What caused the explosions 
and how can the risks be reduced?


When an atmospheric tank at the Buncefield oil depot exploded in 2005, it cost insurers around £1bn in claims and £9.5m in fines for the companies found responsible. The 161 injured claimants

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