Vapour Cloud Explosion

Question 1

What is a vce

Answer 1

When gas or vapour escapes to the atmosphere and creates a flammable mixture which can then be ignited to create a fire or an explosion (vce)

Question 2

What does ignition of a flammable cloud in open area produce

Answer 2

A flash fire with low overpressure but high levels of radiation

Question 3

What characterises a vce and why

Answer 3

Congested area as obstacles increase turbulence of the flame front which in turn increases the flame speed and magnitude of the pressure wave

Question 4

What is another characteristic of a vce and why in terms of amount of liquid

Answer 4

Need at least half a tonne of liquified petroleum gas or volatile liquids
Highly liquids flashes off to produce larger flammable vapour cloud for a given leak size

Question 5

What is another characteristic of a vce to do with pressure

Answer 5

Vce produces a damaging overpressure wave which can collapse blast proof buildings and cause secondary equipment failure and fires