Tank Explosion Video

Wow! Great video, XMech. Thanks for sharing.

P.S. Those who object to colorful language can always just turn off the sound.

Ye Gods!

H*(&^%)#)%^&^*&()#%!!!!!!!!

That brings back old memories. I have 3 patents on detonation flame arresters, devices that prevent these tank fires. When we were doing the research in Alberta Canada we would go to these sites to do forensic work to determine the source of ignition and how the vapors got within the explosive limits. I have seen 500 barrel tanks launched 1/4 mile into a farmer's field. You will notice that the bottom or the top of the tanks blew, that is designed into these tanks. If they did not blow the vessel could rupture causing an even more catastrophic event. I sure miss that work, getting paid to blow stuff up for R&D.

It blowed up!

It blowed up good!

Ye! It blowed up real good!

May the good lord bless you and blow you up real soon! YEEEE Hooooo!

As a hazardous area inspector and lightning protection engineer I try and prevent this sort of thing.

How?

As an inspector all you can do is ensure that the plant is using up to date technology to protect the facility. Nothing personal but good luck. This is such a complicated issue. We found that in Alberta that 90% of the explosions were in such isolated places that they were never reported unless someone died. The oil companies would not admit that there was a problem.

I deal with certifying individual pieces of equipment and plant rather than the overall site (gas and dust). Fortunately safety is a big issue down here but unfortunately some of the inspector's level of familiarity with the regulations and hazardous area zones leave much to be desired.

i'll check it later, i am somewhat of a tank nut