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Failed
Ammonia Food Processing Plant Pipe
Metallurgical failure analysis was requested on a
failed section of steel pipe from a low vacuum
ammonia piping system in a meat processing plant.
The 35-inch long, 8-inch diameter, 0.34 inch thick
steel pipe contained a 33 inch long bifurcated
fracture. Fracture of the ammonia pipe resulted in
property loss. Metallurgical testing included macro
and microscopic evaluation, tensile strength
testing, and
stereomicroscopy.
From the examination and testing performed, it appeared
as if the subject failure was not a one time, recent
event. The failure mode was brittle fracture,
probably as a result of stress
corrosion cracking
and/or hydrogen embrittlement.
Photograph A: Close up view of failed ammonia pipe.
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Plant Accidents
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Dr.
R. Craig Jerner, Ph.D., PE specializes in accident
investigation and metallurgical failure analysis,
with over 30 years experience as a metallurgical
consultant and accident investigator. He has
testified as a metallurgical expert in over 250
depositions and more than 70 court appearances. If you or someone you know should need the services of Dr. Jerner and J.E.I. Metallurgical, please visit our web site at the buttons below, or e-mail Dr. Jerner --- 