The power of a Vacuum

[tmuir]

Was just shown this video.
This is obviously staged for something but its still pretty amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/v/2WJVHtF8GwI&hl=en&fs=1&

 

[websterz]

Wow...that really sucks. :big:

 

[rake60]

I something similar to that first hand.
I was working with a maintenance man pumping the
hydraulic out of the main tank under my machine at work.
We were using an air pump such as this Drum Devil
on a 55 gallon drum. We got distracted working on other things
and heard a loud crunch. The suction hose had plugged up
and the 55 gallon drum had been converted into maybe a 23 Gallon drum.

The maintenance man had a very similar reply.
"Well now, that sucked..."

 

[ChooChooMike]

Description from YouTube :

This happens when you don't properly vent a sealed storage tank before emptying it.
Hot gas/air in the sealed container is left to cool. The air pressure difference inside is so great that the structure is compromised.

 

[Brian Rupnow]

I just did a web search and of course, I can't find a picture right now. I have seen pics of small town municipal water storage tanks (The ones way up in the air on 3 or 4 legs) crushed flat from vacuum created by a burst watermain .

 

[Davyboy]

Many years ago, my Dad showed us a trick with a 1 gallon rectangular metal can. Heat it up with hot running water with the cap loose. Make sure the air inside is good and warm. Tighten the lid and douse in cold water, the can will crinkle up just like that rail car. I may empty a bottle of tonic this weekend just to do it out again. ;D
Thanks for taking me back...
Davyboy