Defective Flange Design Cause of
Acetylene Gas Plant Explosion?
Metallurgical failure analysis was requested after an
acetylene gas manufacturing plant exploded. An examination of the various parts of the acetylene
producing equipment was requested. The
accident investigation focused on the gasket joint in a fill hopper as
the probable source of leaking acetylene gas. Testing revealed a
defective flange design. Design analysis and
exemplar
flange testing showed that the acetylene gas fill hopper gasket would squeeze out of
the joint under normal operating conditions
resulting in a physical gap through which the acetylene gas
could leak.
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