Understanding BLEVEs

The analysis of the potential consequences of an accident is a useful way of understanding the relative inherent safety of process alternatives. These consequences might consider, for example, the distance to a benchmark level of damage resulting from a fire, explosion, or toxic material release. Accident consequence analysis is of particular value in understanding the benefits of minimization, moderation, and limitation of effects. This discussion includes several examples of the use of potential accident consequence analysis as a way of measuring inherent safety, such as the BLEVE and toxic gas plume model results shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6. 

A process engineer with some understanding of thermal radiation effects could use BLEVE models quite easily. A half-day calculation period should be allowed unless the procedure is computerized in which case much more rapid calculation and exploration of sensitivities is possible. Spreadsheet can be readily applied. 

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