Catastrophic pipe failure during testing

mako88sb · 06-11-11, 09:39 AM

Pictures of this pipe failure in China where shown at work yesterday. We build gas compressors and some times with pretty high pressure ratings. All our components are hydrotested and then a final air/nitrogen test is done on the unit. I'm not sure what pressure this was at when it failed but the damage is incredible:

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?p=518971

No mention of the size or flange rating but judging from the pictures I'm thinking 20-24" 600# rating and 1" wall thickness at least. Pretty amazing how the pipe has been folded near the floor.

Oberon · 06-11-11, 10:36 AM

Goes to show the amount of power behind high pressure loads.

You ever seen this video?

papa_smurf · 06-11-11, 10:49 AM

Complete structural failure in the pipe itself.

Jimbuna · 06-11-11, 04:00 PM

Possibly more down to shoddy workmanship.

papa_smurf · 06-12-11, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbuna

Possibly more down to shoddy workmanship.

Or a combination of the two.

06-15-11, 04:36 PM

I used to do NDT on compressor parts years ago, we wanted to record the temperature in the hottest part of the machine. A thermocouple was installed with a compression type of fitting for holding it in place, at something like 200bar it blew out and exited through the roof, never saw the thermocouple again.

06-11-11, 09:39 AM	#1
mako88sb XO Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 423 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Catastrophic pipe failure during testing Pictures of this pipe failure in China where shown at work yesterday. We build gas compressors and some times with pretty high pressure ratings. All our components are hydrotested and then a final air/nitrogen test is done on the unit. I'm not sure what pressure this was at when it failed but the damage is incredible: http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?p=518971 No mention of the size or flange rating but judging from the pictures I'm thinking 20-24" 600# rating and 1" wall thickness at least. Pretty amazing how the pipe has been folded near the floor.

06-11-11, 10:49 AM	#3
papa_smurf Ocean Warrior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: High Peak, Derbyshire Posts: 2,851 Downloads: 33 Uploads: 0	Complete structural failure in the pipe itself. __________________

06-11-11, 04:00 PM	#4
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,552 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	Possibly more down to shoddy workmanship. __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

06-11-11, 10:36 AM	#2
Oberon Lucky Jack Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 25,976 Downloads: 61 Uploads: 20	Goes to show the amount of power behind high pressure loads. You ever seen this video?

06-15-11, 04:36 PM	#6
sidslotm Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	I used to do NDT on compressor parts years ago, we wanted to record the temperature in the hottest part of the machine. A thermocouple was installed with a compression type of fitting for holding it in place, at something like 200bar it blew out and exited through the roof, never saw the thermocouple again.