Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE): An Introduction to Consequence and Vulnerability Analysis in the Chemical Engineering Curriculum

Authors

  • C. Téllez University of Zaragoza
  • J.A. Peña University of Zaragoza

Abstract

The objective of this article is to familiarize the student with risk analysis in the process industries.  The case selected to introduce ChE students to risk analysis is a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE) of a tank truck of liquid propane.  The blast and thermal effects (consequence analysis) have been calculated by several methods.  The vulnerability to persons and/or installations affected has been calculated using the Probit methodology.

Author Biographies

C. Téllez, University of Zaragoza

Carlos Téllez received his PhD in 1998 at the University of Zaragoza, where he is currently Assistant Professor teaching chemical engineering fundamentals. His research is focused on fundamental studies in the preparation of zeolite membranes and inorganic membranes for pervaporation and gas separation.

J.A. Peña, University of Zaragoza

Jose Angel Peña is Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Zaragoza. His research interests include development of new methods for hydrogen storage and transport, development of a new system of indicators to estimate the risk of major accidents involving chemical reactors, and improved systems for early detection of runaway reactions.

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Published

2002-07-01

Issue

Vol. 36 No. 3 (2002): Summer 2002

Section

Class and Home Problems