Fiberglass Tanks and Failure Analysis

Underground Tank Explosion Failure Analysis
The photographs show an excavated underground gasoline fiberglass tank in New Zealand that exploded for an unknown reason. The close up photograph shows a ruptured area in the top and the tank bottom was also ruptured in a concave manner. Our investigation determined that a fitting failure in the tank gauge port and unorthodox method of stick gauging generated a static charge and ignition causing the lean vapors in the ullage area to ignite. The fire expanded the tank top, consumed the available oxygen and created a vacuum that caused the multiple ruptures. The report also recommended changes in gauging practices and equipment to protect against future static generation and sources of ignition.

Case Histories
Please click on the links below for individual case histories:
Design of Methane Ductwork Static Electricity Protection
Underground Tank Explosion Failure Analysis
Aboveground Tank Explosion Failure Analysis

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