1. BLEVE phenomenon

1.1 Description of the phenomenon

The acronym BLEVE stands for Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion. Strictly speaking, BLEVE corresponds to explosive vaporization.

Basically, this phenomenon covers all overheated liquids. If the contents of the tank are non-flammable products, such as liquid oxygen, the BLEVE will result in an "explosion" of the tank, followed by a shock wave. In the case of flammable products such as propane, a fireball will also be observed.

Shield