Cracked welds found in collapsed silo

Fonterra has identified cracks as the most significant contributing factor leading to the collapse of one of its silos at its Edendale factory last month.

A loud "boom" was heard at the Fonterra factory at Edendale on September 16 when one of the three 15m  silos collapsed, and production was halted for three weeks.

Nobody was injured in the incident but it was still being investigated.

Fonterra global operations chief operating officer Robert Spurway said the company had identified several factors which contributed to the collapse, the most significant of which was the cracking of the weld between the silo and the skirt on which it sits.

The cracks in the silo were not identified earlier because they were hidden behind insulation and cladding.

Mr Spurway said that while cracking contributed to the collapse, the cause of the cracking was still being investigated.

Several factors, such as ground vibration, wind and exposure to the elements could affect the silos and all were being considered.

Following the collapse of the silo, Fonterra inspected other silos  of similar age and design around the country as a precaution.

Minor cracking was also identified in the welds on other silos at Edendale and also at its Clandeboye site, in South Canterbury.

Mr Spurway said all welds had been replaced and was confident all of the silos owned by Fonterra were structurally sound.

Strain gauges have been fitted to the repaired silos at Edendale to provide Fonterra with real-time data on various pressures the silos are exposed to.

Mr Spurway said the information provided by the gauges would give Fonterra more insight into the collapse.

The information would be shared with other manufacturers and industries.

Production at the factory had resumed and was at near full capacity.

The collapsed silo had been replaced.

It was unclear when the investigation into the cause of the cracks would be completed.

samuel.white@odt.co.nz

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement