Storage Tank Failure Analysis
FTPI 2007-1 recommends an external tank inspection be performed by a
certified tank inspector every 5 years for tanks/vessels in
Hazardous Substance service. Further, FTPI 2007-1 recommends that
electrically heated insulated tanks be checked for proper electrical
amperage and circuit breaker protection.
The subject photographs were taken during a tank failure cause
analysis of a 20,000 gallon 30% sodium carbonate aqueous solution
tank located in Texas that suddenly failed. It was found that one or
more 500-watt electric heat strips bonded to the exterior tank wall
short-circuited resulting in localized temperatures over 180 degrees
F. This caused resin strength failure, tank shell wall failure,
sudden content discharge, a vacuum exceeding vent capacity and the
collapse of the shell wall.
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