Vol.12, No2, 2012, pp.105–108
UDC 621.642.34:669.15-194.56

LEAKAGE OF AN AUSTENITIC STEEL CO2 STORAGE TANK

Radomir Jovičić1, Aleksandar Sedmak1, Stojan Sedmak2, Ljubica Milović2, Katarina Jovičić2

1)University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Belgrade, Serbia, asedmak@mas.bg.ac.rs

2)University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Belgrade, Serbia

Abstract

After the occurrence of water droplets on the manhole outer wall of a storage tank for carbon dioxide, by detailed inspection, a net of cracks is detected in the manhole flange, close to the welded joint between the flange and manhole mantle. Since the droplets are found on the outer side, it is concluded that the through cracks are in question. The analysis of the number and the size of cracks, form and dimensions of manhole cracked segment, the properties of the applied material and stress state has lead to the conclusion that operational safety of the tank is endangered. In order to solve the problem, the damaged zone had to be eliminated and the shape of the manhole neck needed to be re-designed. After performed repairs, the storage tank could be put into operation again.

Keywords: storage tank, austenitic steel, welded joint, crack, operational safety

full article (468 kB)