Experimental evaluation of LPG tank explosion hazards

Using liquid superheating energy for a quick estimation of overpressure in BLEVEs and similar explosions

“…Giesbrecht et al [10] measured peak overpressures of 300-400 kPa at a distance of 10 m for the explosion of a tank containing 452 kg of propylene; by using the SE method, we obtained 200-300 kPa. Moreover, Stawczyk [11] used masses of 11 kg of propane-butane to obtain much higher P values than those obtained by the method proposed in this paper. We believe that this discrepancy can be attributed to the fact that in his experimental work, the temperature just before the explosion was much higher than T sl-E and, therefore, SE was also much higher.…”

The boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion (BLEVE): Mechanism, consequence assessment, management

“…It is more or less agreed that 'significant superheating' of the pressure liquefied gas (PLG) is necessary for a BLEVE to occur [5,58,59] but more and more evidence has piled up which indicates that a BLEVE can occur well below the SLT. Interestingly Reid himself has observed (as quoted in McDevitt et al [15]) that a vessel would certainly undergo BLEVE if it suffers LOC at the SLT; BLEVE may still occur but with less than 100% certainity if the initial temperature of the liquid is below the SLT.…”

“…Further light on BLEVE mechanism, which provides useful insights for BLEVE prevention, has been shed by the recent fire tests, on PLG-containing vessels, by Birk et al [23], Birk and VanderSteen [64], Roberts et al [29], Stawczyk [58] and VanderSteen and Birk [61]. The tests of Birk and VanderSteen, which augment the ones done earlier by Birk and Cunningham [2], and Kielec and Birk [60], indicate that for a BLEVE to occur, the tank must first be weakened to the point where an initial pin hole rupture is formed.…”

Fire disaster caused by LPG tanker explosion at Lice in Diyarbakır (Turkey): July 21, 2014

“…An enormous amount of gasification and energy release occurs with a drop in pressure if a tanker is damaged for any reason. This would have a destructive effect on both the tanker and its surroundings [3]. The level of danger depends on the amount of materials released, the ratio of the gas released, the psychochemical properties of the released material at that moment, the ignition potential, and environmental toxicity [4].…”