Pressure response and interface evolution on initiation of boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE): A numerical study

Abstract

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is usually stored at a high pressure in the spherical containers. In the event of a failure of the container, a risk of boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE) takes place. A two-dimensional numerical model is built up to study the initiation of BLEVE process of LPG in the present investigation. The effects brought by initial pressure, liquid filling ratio, orifice diameter of relief opening, and temperature stratification on pressure response and interface evolution are discussed in detail. Results indicate that an increase in both the initial pressure and liquid filling ratio causes an augmentation in the total energy of liquid working medium, which in turn leads to an increase in the pressure rise. Conversely, an increase in the degree of the thermal stratification is accompanied by a reduction in the pressure rise. It is also interesting that as the orifice diameter of relief opening increases, the pressure rise displays a non-monotonic pattern, exhibiting an initial increasing trend before declining subsequently. This study provides a fundamental understanding regarding initiation of BLEVE in the scenario of leak of hazardous chemicals.