What height was reached by a projectile of a pressurized system (pics)

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A pressurized system operating at 500 psi experienced a valve failure, launching a 5,000 lbs valve through the roof. Calculating the height reached by the projectile requires more information, including aerodynamic drag, energy absorbed by the roof hole, and the momentum transfer from the expanding air. Estimating the time interval between the launch and landing could also provide a rough altitude estimate. The discussion highlights the complexity of such calculations, emphasizing the need for additional data. Understanding these factors is crucial for accurately determining the projectile's height.
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There is a pressurized system at work that operates at 500 psi. The line is 22" in diameter. One of the valves failed at the body to bonnet connection and launched the valve (5,000 lbs) up and through the roof. I was curious if it is possible to calculate the height reached.
 

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Whoa, seems like quite a blast! Hope everyone was ok! But with this information alone you cannot calculate the height, you need at least:
- the aerodynamic drag of the valve
- the amount of energy absorbed by the generation of the hole in the roof
- the amount of air(?) that has expanded from 500psi to atmospheric which was able to transfer its momentum to the valve.
 
Amazingly, I have witnessed a somewhat similar incident. Another way to address your question would be, do you have any estimate of the time interval between the initial launch and landing of the valve? You could get a rough idea of the altitude that way.
 

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