Major Fire and Explosion Hazards in Gas and Liquid Storage Systems
This list includes BLEVE, VCE, CVCE, and other significant hazards associated with LPG, LNG, and other
flammable or toxic substances.
1. BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion)
- Occurs when a pressurized liquid tank is exposed to heat (e.g., fire), causing the tank to rupture.
- Results in a massive fireball, shockwave, and flying debris.
- Common with LPG, propane, ammonia.
2. VCE (Vapor Cloud Explosion)
- A large flammable vapor cloud forms and ignites in an open or semi-confined space.
- Produces a blast wave, potentially damaging structures and equipment.
- Common with LNG, methane, ethylene, hydrogen.
3. CVCE (Confined Vapor Cloud Explosion)
- A vapor cloud ignites within a confined or enclosed space (e.g., between process units, within buildings).
- The confinement significantly amplifies the explosion pressure and destructive force.
- Often more severe than unconfined VCE due to overpressure buildup.
- Typical in refineries, process plants, or storage areas with structural confinement.
4. Pool Fire
- Flammable liquid forms a pool and ignites, burning on the surface.
- Sustained heat radiation can damage adjacent tanks or equipment.
- Common in LNG, gasoline, diesel spills.
5. Jet Fire
- Pressurized release of gas or liquid ignites immediately.
- Produces a concentrated flame jet that can rapidly compromise structural steel or vessels.
- Seen with LPG, hydrogen, natural gas.
6. Flash Fire
- A vapor cloud ignites without explosion; flame front flashes through the flammable zone.
- Causes burn injuries and ignites other combustible materials.
- Common in LNG or light hydrocarbon leaks in open areas.
7. Boilover
- Occurs when water under a burning liquid tank (e.g., crude oil) rapidly vaporizes, violently ejecting contents.
- Not typical in LPG or LNG, but a serious hazard in crude oil storage.
8. Toxic Gas Release
- Some substances may not ignite but release hazardous vapors that can cause severe health effects or
fatalities.
- No fire/explosion needed for it to be deadly.
- Examples include ammonia, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide (H2S).
9. RPT (Rapid Phase Transition)
- A physical explosion when cryogenic liquid (like LNG) comes into contact with warm water or surface.
- No combustion, but violent vaporization causes structural damage.
- Specific to LNG.
10. Fireball (Independent of BLEVE)
- A rapidly expanding spherical fire that results from the ignition of a pressurized release of gas or vapor.
- Unlike BLEVE, it doesn't require a boiling liquid but comes from sudden gas release.
- Common in LPG, propane, and hydrogen systems.
11. UVCE (Unconfined Vapor Cloud Explosion)
- A sub-type of VCE where the vapor cloud is in a completely open atmosphere with no confinement.
- Explosion effects are less intense than CVCE but still dangerous.
- Seen in open-field LNG or fuel gas leaks.
12. Dust Explosion
- Not common in LPG/LNG, but relevant in facilities with fine organic powders or metals (e.g., sugar, flour,
aluminum dust).
- Dust suspended in air can ignite explosively, especially in enclosed spaces.
13. Rollover in Cryogenic Tanks
- Occurs in stratified LNG tanks where layers of differing temperatures and densities exist.
- Can lead to sudden vapor generation and pressure increase inside the tank if stratification collapses.
- Potential cause of tank rupture or venting if not properly managed.
Key Takeaways
- BLEVE: Explosive rupture of pressurized liquid tank, common with LPG.
- VCE: Vapor cloud ignites in open/semi-confined space.
- CVCE: Vapor cloud ignites in a fully confined space - highest explosion pressure.
- Pool Fire: Liquid pool ignites and burns.
- Jet Fire: Pressurized leak ignites into a flame jet.
- Flash Fire: Vapor cloud ignites without explosion.
- Boilover: Burning crude oil violently overflows due to water vaporization.
- Toxic Release: No fire, but inhalation hazard.
- RPT: Sudden phase change causes explosion - unique to LNG.
- Fireball, UVCE, Dust Explosion, Rollover: Additional hazards depending on substance and scenario.
