What does the acronym BLEVE stand for?

The acronym BLEVE stands for "Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion." This term is used in the context of fire and hazardous materials handling, specifically when discussing the risks associated with pressurized vessels containing liquids that can vaporize and expand when heated.

When a pressurized liquid is heated, it can eventually reach its boiling point, leading to the rapid conversion of the liquid into vapor. If the vessel’s integrity is compromised, the sudden expansion of this vapor can result in an explosive force. This phenomenon is particularly dangerous in situations involving flammable liquids, where the explosion can be compounded by fire and other hazardous materials.

This term encapsulates the critical aspects of the explosion: it involves boiling liquid, expansion of vapor, and a potential explosion, making it an important concept for professionals in emergency response, industrial safety, and firefighting. Understanding BLEVE is essential for effectively managing the threats posed by flammable and pressurized liquids during an incident.