Deadly Explosion at Nurburgring

Wow! We use these 4 1/2 foot tall x 10" diameter steel tanks filled with nitrogen. They have 2000+ psi and take 2 men to lift. I cannot imagine the power of one of those failing and blowing out. I have never heard or seen one fail. The fear is knocking a tank over and breaking the regulator off making a missile. First thing done when crew takes those tanks out the truck is to secure them.

 

Wonder how long the cylinder had been empty? Maybe corrosion will be found to be the culprit since the blowout occurred during filling according to the report.

 

Yep, you are supposed to account for calculated and measured corrosion in pressure vessels as they age.....

 

In German media: 22 injured, one very badly, three badly. No further news as of now.
The races are still going to take place as everything is under control.

 

Wow...

I've only heard old stories, but never an explosion.
1. A storm at Sebring got ahold of one of the tents (we used air cylinders on every tent post on the truck awnings), and flung one up in the air and it came down through the roof of another truck just missing one of the engineers inside.
2. An unprotected cylinder tipped over and sheared the top off at Daytona sending it like a missle down pitlane and over the infield grass. It wall rode the banking half way through turn two before it ran out and rolled down the banking.

 

That is scary being around them all the time I don't have full appreciation for their power. I have 3 cylinders in my garage right now.