BLEVE – Causes and prevention measures

BLEVE, an acronym for Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion, corresponds to the complete ruin of a pressurized tank containing a liquid whose temperature is well above its boiling point at atmospheric pressure. This phenomenon, encountered in accidental situations, is generally very damaging, since it causes mechanical effects (overpressure) and projections that can reach several hundred meters, as well as thermal effects (fireball radiation) if the pressurized liquid is flammable, or toxic effects. Because of its primary effects, a BLEVE is generally an initiator of an overaccident.

In the context of hazard studies (EDD), the BLEVE phenomenon generally constitutes a major accident, the effects of which have a significant impact on urban development control. Following tragic accidents such as that at Feyzin (1966 – France) or Mexico City (1984 – Mexico), industrialists have learned from accident experience and implemented appropriate risk management measures to prevent this phenomenon. After a few basic reminders of the phenomenon, the second part of the article analyses a few "historic" reservoir BLEVEs that have left their mark on collective memory. To ensure that this phenomenon is properly prevented, it is essential to ensure that MMRs are appropriate for the main causes likely to lead to this type of accident. The third part of the article will therefore be devoted to the main causes likely to lead to this phenomenon. Finally, the article will present the MMR classically implemented to prevent this phenomenon, more specifically in the case of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage facilities.

As the methods used to model the effects are presented in the article [SE 5 061] , this article will not deal with the consequences associated with this type of phenomenon.