ABSTRACT
This paper describes a failure analysis of a 914 mm gate valve. The failure resulted in an explosion and subsequent fire which destroyed a large gas compressor station. The cause of the failure had been traced back to a grossly under-designed 914 mm loose-type flange. The conclusions of the failure analyses resulted in litigation.
The trial judge had to digest over 10,000 pages of transcript of evidence plus several reports. The judgement was in favour of a large dynamic event. The judgement was vacated in appeal, but one of the judges decided to evaluate the transcripts and make a ruling.
This paper presents an account of the failure analysis and courtroom consequences. The paper supports the view that the judgement of technical methods should be conducted by professionals trained in technical matters. Rulings in court should be changed to reflect the present era, rather than an era where a persons’ knowledge could encompass all the art and sciences.
