2011 Annual Meeting

(378f) Can a Liquid Hydrogen Storage Tank BLEVE?

Authors

Subramanya Nayak - Presenter, Texas A&M University
Sergio Garcia - Presenter, Texas A&M University
Victor Carreto - Presenter, Texas A&M University
Sam Mannan - Presenter, Texas A&M University

Abstract

A BLEVE (boiling-liquid expanding-vapor explosion) occurs when a tank containing liquefied gas ruptures, resulting in the instantaneous release of the vapor, boiling liquid, missiles (tank fragments), and blast wave1. The most common type of the BLEVE is caused when the external wall of the tank is exposed to a fire1. The continuous heat transfer from the fire to the tank wall increases the temperature and pressure inside the tank, until the tank fails. This sudden failure of the tank results in an explosive vaporization of its contents.

In passenger cars the LH2 is stored as a cryogenic liquid at -240o C and at moderate pressures (20 to 30 bars)2. It is believed that the LH2 will not BLEVE, since it is stored at such a low temperature3. However, LNG, which is also stored as a cryogenic liquid presents a potential for BLEVE4. Consequently, in this study we have theoretically investigated if the LH2 storage tanks will BLEVE.

A theoretical model considering transient mass and energy transfer is developed and solved numerically5. It is assumed that the LH2 tank is engulfed in a fire and the fire is caused due to spilled gasoline or hydrogen. Different tank materials and insulations are tested. The transient model has a capability to predict the time required for the LH2 tank to BLEVE. This prediction will be useful for the fire fighters and emergency responders when dealing with LH2 tank engulfed in a fire. Finally the consequences due to the BLEVE of LH2 tank are also studied.

References

  1. Abbasi, T. and S. A. Abbasi (2007). "The boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion (BLEVE): Mechanism, consequence assessment, management." Journal of Hazardous Materials 141(3): 489-519.
  2. Rigas, F. and S. Sklavounos (2005). "Evaluation of hazards associated with hydrogen storage facilities." International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 30(13-14): 1501-1510.
  3. C. J. H. van den Bosch, R. A. P. M. W. (2005). Methods for the calculation of physical effects - due to the releases of hazardous materials (liquids and gases) - 'Yellow Book'. The Hague, Committee for the Prevention of Disasters.
  4. Pitblado, R. (2007). "Potential for BLEVE associated with marine LNG vessel fires." Journal of Hazardous Materials 140(3): 527-534.
  5. Runnels, D. S. R. (2008). AFFTAC: Analysis of Fire Effects on Tank Cars.