Investigation of the failure in GRI`s pipeline simulation facility flow loop. Final report, October 1995-May 1996

The GRI Pipeline Simulation Facility contains a 4700-foot-long loop of 24-inch-diameter pipe which can be used to simulate conditions in a natural gas pipeline. The flow loop is designed to support research, development, and demonstrations of in-line inspection technologies and equipment. A prototype magnetic flux leakage device was being propelled through the loop using compressed air as the pressurizing medium. Through a sequence of events, a fire initiated and the components of the pig train (magnetizer, instrumentation canister, and pusher pit) began to burn. The pig train travelled another 450-feet as the fire progressed forward to other components. At this point, the pig train stopped, and the pipeline became overheated and ruptured.