HVAC Duct Collapse - Gaylord Hotel - Denver 6

[Rabbit12]

Some HVAC duct collapsed in the swimming pool area of a hotel in Denver over the weekend. No one was killed but injured several. Looks like some pretty heavy-duty duct work. No word on cause but one has to think corrosion whatever was used to hang the duct is a likely culprit.

https://kdvr.com/news/local/injuries-reported-after-collapse-at-gaylord-rockies-resort/

https://kdvr.com/news/local/then-we...llapse-feels-lucky-her-family-left-unscathed/

 

[SWComposites]

corrosion above an indoor pool? nah.

 

[JLNJ]

Per the article, "Olson said there was black sludge that poured out the ceiling and her husband saw two kids covered in it."

Sounds like the duct had more than just air in it.

 

[spsalso]

Since the fallen ducting is below the ceiling, it's interesting that it's noted that "black sludge" poured out of that ceiling.

Here's a pretty nice before shot:

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_UeC_tR...34PSAmi6xZTFHUhOv6wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3839.jpg

and another:

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fYOdxuj...Z53qACtsdJnFClvD2YACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3842.jpg

I'm kinda suspecting the supports for the duct were too weak. The place is only 5 years old, and I just don't believe the dreaded chlorine could have destroyed the supports that quickly.

Think: crap design


spsalso

 

[TugboatEng]

The black sludge came from a fire sprinkler pipe that broke.

SCC can certainly cause supports to fail rapidly. Cold drawn support members of SS alloys such as wire hangers are not recommended.

https://www.nickelinstitute.org/media/1805/stainlesssteelinswimmingpoolbuidlings_12010_.pdf

 

[dik]

Good link...

-----*****-----
So strange to see the singularity approaching while the entire planet is rapidly turning into a hellscape. -John Coates

-Dik

 

[debodine]

Excellent overview by the Nickel Institute, thanks and star for TugboatEng link.

 

[Rabbit12]

5 years is a long time spsalso. I've personally seen a 316 SST hose clamp corrode and fail on a vent fan for WTP clearwell in a couple weeks.

Here's an interesting thing to me. The Gaylord hotel is in charge of the "investigation". Seems to me that should be independent.

 

[EdStainless]

It isn't legal to use SS overhead in public pools.
There are books about the issues, in Europe mostly.
People forget that it isn't the Cl, it is the volatile chloramines that drive rapid pitting and SCC.
And those are what you smell in a pool room.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed

 

[hokie66]

EdStainless,

I don't think people forget, they are just ignorant about chloramines.

 

[TugboatEng]

Chloramines are most commonly formed when ammonia is added to chlorine to treat drinking water. Chloramines provide longer-lasting disinfection as the water moves through pipes to consumers.

Dang kids whizzing in the pool.