Air Receiver Tank Suffers Catastrophic Failure and Propels Through Roof

Location: Port Coquitlam

Regulated industry sector: Boilers, PV & refrigeration - Boiler and pressure vessel system

Incident overview

In a sandblasting shop, the bottom of an air receiver tank blew off and propelled nine meters into the air, through the roof of the building. The tank collided with, and disabled the sprinkler system as it ripped a three-meter hole in the ceiling.

Prior to the incident, the owners had purchased two used tanks that were not designed or correct for the high-pressure application. The tanks were installed without the required installation and operating permits or inspections. As the system charged for the first time, the tank was unable to withstand the pressure and separated from the weld joint, which joined the bottom shell and head to the vessel.