The purpose of this project is to analyze a ruptured 1000 gallon NH3 tank to determine the crack initiation site (CIS) and the cause of the tank failure. On 11/21/2007 it was reported that, “a nurse tank carrying anhydrous ammonia exploded and pieces were found laying in the front yard of a farm just outside of Silver Lake, Minnesota. The driver was taken to the hospital due to exposure to the NH3.” The incident occurred near Kale Avenue (McLeod County 90), just south of MTH 7. A scene investigation revealed the tank had torn off its running gear, impacted the back of the pick-up truck (tow vehicle) and then was propelled across the front yard of a farm. All the NH3 had been expelled from the 1000 gallon capacity tank and dissipated. The tank is owned by Crop Production Services, Inc (CPS), (DOT # 300176). CLICK HERE for 3rd Party Report
Metallurgical Evaluation of a Nurse Tank Cracked Head (Failure was SCC)