(13e) Improvement of BLEVE Overpressure Method Using Historical Data

The current CCPS/TNO's BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) overpressure methodology is derived from that published by Baker in 1975. This methodology assumes isentropic expansion work and uses Baker's graphical method and high-explosive correlation to calculate BLVE energy and overpressure. There were not many BLEVE experimental data available at the time when Baker developed his methodology. Thus, per his report, the multipliers are considered rough estimates. Additionally, some of Baker's work was based on vapor-filled vessels and the accuracy of his method for BLEVE overpressure calculations was not tested against experimental BLEVE data. Starting in the early 80s, there appeared many experimental studies that reported BLEVE overpressure measurements (Giesbrecht, Birk, Bulke, etc.). We have carried out a comprehensive literature review and found over 100 experimental data points from the existing literature. Based on a comparison of over-pressure calculations to the literature data, it was found that the current CCPS/TNO's method over-predicts regular BLEVE side-on overpressures in the range of typical industrial application (1