Butane Stove and Cannister Failure Analysis

Monday, September 12, 2022: 3:00 PM
Convention Center: 261 (Ernest N. Morial Convention Center)
Mr. Lloyd Meissner, P.E. , Materials - Metallurgy, Plymouth, MN
Butane Stove and Cannister Failure Analysis

An 8 oz. butane cannister failed while being used in a portable stove at a catering event. This resulted in a flash fire causing personal injuries. The stove was being used to prepare breakfast inside a hotel ballroom but was rated for outdoor use only. ESi was hired to determine the cause of the flash fire and cannister failure.

The investigation included examination and testing of similar stoves and cannisters. Exemplar testing was used to evaluate overpressure devices required by industry standards. Materials testing was a critical aspect of the analyses to identify specific components of the stove, their melting temperature, and the effects from a flash fire.

The investigation showed the release mechanism system on the stove failed to eject the butane cannister properly. This allowed overpressure to occur in the cannister and subsequent cannister failure. When the cannister failed, the released butane was ignited, causing the flash fire.

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