What potential hazard does a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE) present?

What potential hazard does a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE) present?

• A. Low energy release
• B. The projection of missiles over great distances
• C. Minimal impact on surrounding areas
• D. Only toxic vapors

Answer: (B)

The boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE) is a significant hazard that can occur when a vessel containing a pressurized liquid is subjected to heat, causing the liquid to boil and rapidly expand into vapor. The correct choice highlights one of the most serious consequences of a BLEVE, which is the projection of missiles over great distances. When the container fails, the rapid expansion of the vapor can result in explosive force strong enough to propel debris and shrapnel with high velocity. This can create a wide area of danger, with projectiles potentially injuring people and damaging property far from the explosion's epicenter. The explosive force associated with a BLEVE can lead to fires and secondary explosions as well, further increasing the hazard to surrounding areas. In contrast, the other options fail to capture the full scope of the danger posed by a BLEVE. Low energy release, minimal impact, and only toxic vapors do not accurately depict the explosive nature of a BLEVE, which is characterized by its potential for extensive physical damage and danger due to flying debris. Thus, the focus on missile projection in the choice reflects the severe nature of the risk involved in a BLEVE scenario.

The boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE) is a significant hazard that can occur when a vessel containing a pressurized liquid is subjected to heat, causing the liquid to boil and rapidly expand into vapor. The correct choice highlights one of the most serious consequences of a BLEVE, which is the projection of missiles over great distances.

When the container fails, the rapid expansion of the vapor can result in explosive force strong enough to propel debris and shrapnel with high velocity. This can create a wide area of danger, with projectiles potentially injuring people and damaging property far from the explosion's epicenter. The explosive force associated with a BLEVE can lead to fires and secondary explosions as well, further increasing the hazard to surrounding areas.

In contrast, the other options fail to capture the full scope of the danger posed by a BLEVE. Low energy release, minimal impact, and only toxic vapors do not accurately depict the explosive nature of a BLEVE, which is characterized by its potential for extensive physical damage and danger due to flying debris. Thus, the focus on missile projection in the choice reflects the severe nature of the risk involved in a BLEVE scenario.