BLEVE and possible fireball

The term BLEVE is an acronym for Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion). The BLEVE is one type of phenomena that may result from a catastrophic rupture. A BLEVE may occur when a vessel, containing a liquid highly superheated above its normal atmospheric boiling point, fails catastrophically. The risk of a BLEVE is typically associated with pressurized liquefied gas storage or pressurized liquids. The first consequence of a BLEVE is a blast effect due to vapour expansion when the vessel fails and to the explosive vapourization of the vessel liquid content. This effect is generally followed by missiles ejection. If the substance is flammable, the air- substance aerosol can ignite immediately. The flame front rapidly moves away from the ignition point, generating a fireball. Its temperature is extremely high and it causes an important thermal radiation.