Tentative probes into some aspects of the pipeline rupture behind the 2014 Kaohsiung underground gas explosions

Abstract

By collecting information from the indictment and news media reports, this paper tries to probe into some aspects of the course of the rupture failure in the pipeline that is believed to have led to the 2014 Kaohsiung gas explosion incident. Through approximate finite element analysis and engineering assessment of a similar pipe segment, insight can be gained on the sequence of longitudinal and circumferential fracture, as well as the relationship between the degree of wall thinning and rupture pressure. Some of the deductions are found to corroborate the visual appearance of the rupture. Other deductions need further information from a detailed mapping of the wall thickness of the ruptured segment to substantiate. A mass transfer analysis for the leakage rate is recommended to help identify the approximate time of rupture. A detailed charting of the positions of corrosion damage and possible asphalt coating damage on the three pipe segments inside the culvert may provide further clues for identifying the root cause of the rupture.

Keywords:

• Underground gas explosions
• wall thinning damage
• pipeline rupture
• rupture pressure assessment