What does BLEVE stand for?

BLEVE stands for "boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion." This phenomenon occurs when a vessel containing a pressurized liquid, usually a flammable liquid, experiences a failure due to overheating or damage. When the pressure is suddenly released, such as from a rupture, the liquid rapidly vaporizes into gas, expanding significantly and potentially igniting, causing a powerful explosion.

Understanding BLEVE is crucial in safety protocols for handling chemicals and pressurized systems. It highlights the importance of maintaining proper pressure and temperature controls to prevent such catastrophic events in industrial settings.