exploding plastic storage tanks

[techhelpbb]

Originally Posted by Dave Campbell

Isn't this the purpose of FIRST? To teach, read inspire, students about the forces and how to use the tanks properly? Each team should find a Fluid Power Engineer or a mentor properly trained in the safe use of pneumatics, or at least follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe installation and use of the parts.

Of course, I don't want any person injured from mis-use or improper installation, so there must be some adult involved in the process. A key tenant of FIRST - students need mentors!

I agree with the idea of finding a mentor to help with this.

However pneumatics and hydraulics can kill even when properly engineered and suffering from damage from wear and tear.

Sure these are smaller systems but even a syringe can kill you with just air in it.

If we are going to allow plastic tanks with several examples of unpleasant failures FIRST ought to think carefully about enforcing the safety element through inspection and published recommendations about safety sleeves.

Accidents are preventable - all it takes is recognizing the risk.
A few explosions are a demonstrable risk hard to ignore.

I also want to say as a CSA - I am around all of your fielded robot all of the time.
If I get hurt because of something like this don't think you have legal protection.
FIRST you know you have an issue - address it and don't be negligent.

What I wrote here might seem quite blunt - realize I've worked on hydraulic systems that deform building steel.
These things are unforgiving.