Abstract
The large storage tank fire at Milford Haven in the UK in 1983 originated from the wind induced fatigue damage of the floating roof. Flammable vapors formed by the oil which seeped through the fatigue cracks onto the surface of the roof were ignited by incandescent carbon particles discharged from the flare stack. As a result of the roof sank due to the water accumulation in initial fire-fighting efforts, the fire became a full surface fire with multiple boilovers.
Many lessons can be learned from this accident, and one of them is the importance of a floating roof design for wind loading and maintenance for wind induced cracks.
