BLEVE: The case of water and a historical survey. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hemmatian, Behrouz; Casal, Joaquim; Planas, Eulàlia; Rashtchian, Davood
• Is Part Of: Journal of loss prevention in the process industries. Volume 57(2019)
• Page Start: 231
• Page End: 238
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: BLEVE -- Overpressure -- Steam boilers -- Historical analysis; Chemical industries -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; 660.2804
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jlp.2018.12.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-4230

Abstract

Abstract: After a short update of the current more accepted definition of BLEVE, the special features of water BLEVEs are analyzed. The stronger overpressure wave generated in the case of water as compared to that of other substances is justified in terms of volume change. Through a comparison with liquefied pressurized propane, three possibilities are analyzed: the simultaneous contribution of both the liquid and the preexisting vapor, the contribution of the liquid flash vaporization, and the contribution of the pre-existing vapor. Also a historical survey on a set of 202 BLEVE accidents –the largest sample of BLEVE accidents surveyed until now– is presented. LPG was the most common substances in this set of accidents. However, water and LNG (11% of water and 4% of LNG in the studied cases) have also been involved. Impact failure (44.8%) and human factor (30.3%) were the most common causes of BLEVEs. Transport, storage, process plants, and transfer were the activities in which more accidents occurred. Highlights: A historical survey on a set of 202 BLEVE accidents (largest sample of BLEVE accidents surveyed until now) is presented. The stronger overpressure wave generated in the case of water as compared to that of other substances. Impact failure (44.8%) and human factor (30.3%) were the most common causes of BLEVEs. The historical analysis shows clearly the positive influence of the regulations existing in the developed countries.