Ricerc@Sapienza

A simplified mathematical model representing the dynamic response of a tank containing a pressurized liquefied gas exposed to an external heat source, is presented. This scenario is of great practical interest in the process industry because it can result in the catastrophic failure of the tank with the explosive vaporization of the stored material (Boiling-Liquid Expanding-Vapour Explosion, BLEVE).

The catastrophic failure of a tank containing a pressure liquefied gas often gives rise to a physical explosion with serious consequences for the possibly exposed people and structures. In fact, the liquid is at a temperature higher than its boiling temperature at atmospheric pressure, and, once released, it will instantaneously vaporize, with the generation of a shock wave.