Silo Failure Investigation Project Case Studies

Silo Failure Investigations

PLANT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING Silo Failure Investigations – Case Studies Investigation of Rupture of Bolted Silo Panels Year: 2018 Location: Quebec, CA Material: Canola Meal We provided expert investigative services to review the partial rupture of a canola meal silo. The 81 feet diameter by 86 feet tall silo and used a sweep auger to create mass flow patterns. Investigation discovered dynamic loads most likely caused by bridging material created unexpected radial loads on the silo shell causing it to partially rupture. Report for Underwriters: Biomass Silos - Fire and Explosion Protection Year: 2018 Location: East Coast Material: Biomass We provided expert investigation of biomass silos relating to the challenges of fire and explosion detection, suppression and fighting. The investigation included large dome silos and the related material handling and dust collection equipment. Due to the high probability of self-heating and combustion of the bio-mass, nitrogen inerting systems were recommended to cool and remove oxygen from the internal atmosphere. THE PLANT SYSTEMS GROUP, INC. 507 N. York St., Suite 2A Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717-795-9122 717-795-9525 Fax

PLANT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING Investigation of Silo Collapse – Failure of Reinforcing System Year: 2016 Location: East Coast Material: Soybeans We provided expert investigative services to review a collapsed 40K bushel soybean silo. Although the silo was over 50 years old and had been inspected and repaired several times, a reinforcement system consisting of plate work and structural angles detached from the silo straight wall shell / conical section. When the silo was filled with soybeans, it suddenly collapsed. Investigation of Silo Cone Collapse – Failure of Welds Year: 2011 Location: Texas Material: Grain We provided expert investigative services to review the bottom cone failure of a grain silo. The silo was full of grain when the bottom cone suddenly collapsed. The carbon steel cone was welded to an embedded plate, and the weld between the embedded plate and cone failed. THE PLANT SYSTEMS GROUP, INC. 507 N. York St., Suite 2A Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717-795-9122 717-795-9525 Fax

PLANT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING Investigation of Silo Fire – Combustion due to Fumigant Year: 2010 Location: Ohio Material: Grain We provided expert investigative services to review the self- combustion of a grain storage silo. A contractor applied fumitoxin to the interior of the silo without checking the grain moisture content. The high moisture content was too high and caused an exothermic chemical reaction, heating the grain to the point of combustion. Investigation of Silo Collapse – Wind Failure Year: 2009 Location: Michigan Material: Grain We provided expert investigative services to review the collapse of a 96K bushel grain storage silo. A reported high wind event at the facility caused the silo to collapse. The silo was empty at the time. Collateral damage also occurred to adjacent bucket elevators and storage bins. THE PLANT SYSTEMS GROUP, INC. 507 N. York St., Suite 2A Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717-795-9122 717-795-9525 Fax

PLANT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING Investigation of Silo Collapse – Shell Failure at Bolted Connections Year: 2009 Location: Arkansas Material: Grain We provided expert investigative services to review the collapse of a refurbished 500K bushel grain storage silo. Unexpected radial pressures caused by dynamic loading and shifting of material caused the shell section of the silo to shear apart at the bolted connections. THE PLANT SYSTEMS GROUP, INC. 507 N. York St., Suite 2A Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717-795-9122 717-795-9525 Fax