Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosions

Explosions can occur when containers that hold pressurized liquids face a sudden reduction in pressure. Pressurized systems can heat liquids to very high temperatures– much higher than their normal boiling points– and yet keep them in liquid form. This in turn produces large amounts of energy that can be harnessed and used to power engines and other sources. However, if the container somehow ruptures, an explosion can occur. These explosions can happen even in vessels that hold non-flammable liquids, including water, liquid nitrogen, and liquid helium.

A boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion, also known as a BLEVE explosion, occurs when:

• Corrosion, mechanical failure, a nearby fire, or another source causes a vessel to rupture or spring a sudden leak.
• As a result, pressure inside the container drops suddenly.
• This quick drop in pressure causes the liquid inside the container to suddenly evaporate into steam or vapor.
• The vapor form of a substance takes up thousands of times more space than the liquid form. This sudden expansion can put so much pressure on the container that it explodes.
• This type of explosion can completely destroy the container, shoot debris and fragments across the surrounding area, and may even cause injury or death to anyone in the near vicinity.

Modern boilers, or pressure vessels, contain various safety features to help reduce the risk of explosion, including a warning system to alert workers of impending danger and safety valves to help stabilize pressure. Unfortunately, accidents still occur, causing serious burns, impact wounds, loss of limbs, and even death.

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If you or a loved one has been injured in a boiler explosion, contact the boiler explosion lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. ® at 800-242-2874 to learn more about your legal rights and options.