Abstract
In this work the rupture of an 80 liters capacity CNG storage cylinder installed at a CNG sales
station was investigated. It was reported that the cylinder had ruptured only a few months after
installation. During the initial investigation, the material of the cylinder was found to be in
compliance with the specifications of composition and mechanical properties. However, thorough
visual examination of the ruptured surfaces indicated the presence of multiple crack initiation sites
within a rusted region on the inner surface of cylinder. This observation indicated the potential for
stress corrosion cracking. Further macro-examination of the crack established this feature.
Metallographic examination of areas adjacent to the fractured surfaces showed the presence of deep
draw-marks almost everywhere and a longitudinal fold of unusual depth. These defects might have
acted as stress raisers to assist stress corrosion cracking. It is suggested that the defects were present
in the failed cylinder due to improper inspection procedures.
Liaqat Ali, Khalid M. Ghauri, Faiz ul Hasan. (2013) Failure Analysis of a Compressed Natural Gas Storage Cylinder, Pakistan Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Volume 13, Issue 1.
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