Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE) Study
A BLEVE study examines the hazards of a pressurized liquid container failing and rapidly releasing its contents as vapor, potentially leading to a fireball or explosion.
Key Factors in BLEVE Events:
- Sudden Rupture: A container holding a liquid above its boiling point fails due to heat exposure or mechanical damage.
- Rapid Vaporization: The liquid turns into vapor instantly, leading to an expanding cloud.
- Potential Ignition: If flammable, the vapor can ignite, causing a powerful explosion.
- Common BLEVE Scenarios:
- LPG storage tanks exposed to fire.
- Chemical processing plants handling pressurized volatile liquids.