Types of explosions

Introduction

Understanding specific types of explosions and distinguishing their characteristics and hazards is essential for professionals engaged in safety management, emergency response, and industrial operations. In this chapter, we will explore various specific explosion events, including blasts, vapour cloud explosions, dust explosions, and solid explosions.

Exploring explosion events

Gas Blasts occur when a rapid release of pressurised gas generates a powerful blast wave capable of causing structural damage and injuries. Common in industrial facilities handling compressed gases, such as natural gas plants, fuel storage depots, or chemical manufacturing plants, gas blasts pose hazards such as blast overpressure, structural fragmentation, and debris projection. Gas Blasts typically occur as a secondary effect alongside Gas Fireballs but can also manifest independently.

Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE) Blasts arise from the rapid release of pressurised vapour following the Rupture of a Vessel storing a pressurised liquefied gas. These explosions commonly happen in industrial settings where flammable liquids are stored or transported, such as in chemical processing plants, fuel storage facilities, or oil refineries. BLEVE Blasts typically occur alongside BLEVE Fireballs but can also occur independently.

Vapour Cloud Explosions (VCEs) occur when a cloud of flammable vapour mixed with air ignites, leading to a rapid combustion process and the formation of a powerful explosion. Common in confined spaces within industrial facilities handling volatile substances, VCEs pose risks of blast overpressure, fireball propagation, and structural damage.

While the depicted occurrences in the figure primarily depict gas or vapour-related explosions, it is important to note that solid particles also pose risks for potential explosive events.

Dust Explosions occur when a cloud of combustible dust ignites, resulting in a rapid combustion process and the prof a shockwave. These explosions commonly occur in industrial environments handling materials such as grain, flour, sugar, coal, or metal powders, where the accumulation of dust serves as fuel for potential explosions.

Solid Detonations occur when a solid material undergoes a rapid exothermic reaction, releasing energy and generating a shockwave. Such explosions can occur in various settings, including chemical reactions, munitions manufacturing, or mining operations.

Conclusion

Exploring specific explosion events provides valuable insight into the diverse nature of these hazardous phenomena and emphasises the importance of implementing robust safety measures to mitigate risks effectively. By understanding the characteristics and potential consequences of Gas and BLEVE Blasts, VCEs, Dust Explosions, and Solid Detonations, professionals can better prepare for and respond to these unpredictable events, ultimately saving lives and protecting property (Bosch, 2005).

X-Suite for understanding overpressure effects

Gexcon's X-Suite, particularly tools like FLACS and EFFECTS, provide simulation capabilities to model the physics of explosions. This aids in comprehensive risk assessment and safety planning.

References

Bosch, C. v. (2005). Methods for the calculation of physical effects 'Yellow book' CPR 14E. The Hague: Ministerie van Verkeer en Waterstaat.