A fixed atmospheric
storage tank was taken out of service for repairs. During re commissioning, the
tank was filled up with water to check for leaks. After the leak check, the
contractor handling the testing process was instructed to drain the tank of water
using the 4” drain valve located at the bottom of the tank. As the contractor was
pressed for time, he decided to open the 24” tank bottom manway also, to speed
up the process of draining. After some time, a loud bang was heard and the tank
collapsed due to vacuum. The venting arrangement in the tank was not sufficient
to prevent vacuum in the tank when the manway was opened.
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