SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1986
STP19326S

A Pressure Vessel Hatch Cover Failure: A Design Analysis

Source

This case study involves a hatch cover located on a pressurized barge unloading concrete. The hatch cover exploded as a workman was kicking off one of the locking cams holding the cover to the deck. The cover, attached to the barge by a hinge, utilized six locking cams to hold the pressure seal to the compartment. The cover was 0.51 metres in diameter and fabricated from A356-T6 aluminum. The pressure to off-load the cement was 206.8 kPa. A finite element study was performed to determine the stresses in the cover as a function of locking geometry. Fracture toughness tests to determine KIc, a nondestructive inspection to determine crack size and crack population, and a design study to determine pressure vessel design characteristics were undertaken. A failure analysis was also conducted. Results of the studies indicate that the design choices (internal piping, hatch cover attachment, and material selection) allowed a potentially catastrophic situation to develop. Recommendations for design improvements are given.

Author Information

Kaplan, MP
Willis, Kaplan & Associates, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL
Willis, T
Willis, Kaplan & Associates, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL
Barnett, RL
Triodyne, Inc., Niles, IL
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: E08
Pages: 46–64
DOI: 10.1520/STP19326S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4983-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0485-3