(53ae) A Case Study on LPG Transportation Accident: Boing Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE) and Large Vapor Cloud Explosion (LVCE)

On June 13, 2020, an LPG tanker truck rollover and exploded on the highway ramp at Wenling, Zhejiang Province, China. A boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE) occurred initially, with the cylindrical vessel rupturing into one end-cap and one ‘rocket’ missile. The 12-ton ‘rocket’ missile was thrown 360 meters away, resulting in an LPG vapor cloud larger than 300 meters, followed by several deflagration explosions and ultimately a potential occurrence of deflagration to detonation (DDT). The accident led to 20 fatalities and more than 170 injuries.

Image analysis technique and 3D modeling using SketchUp are employed to reproduce the scenario of accident. The BLEVE process was modeled using discharge process and the rocket model, and it fits well with results predicted by empirical equations.

The combustion and explosion were analyzed further based on the image analysis and SketchUp model. The flame front propagation speed is higher than sound speed, indicating an occurrence of DDT. The explosion impacts on building damage were also analyzed and the vapor cloud explosion was compared with empirical models. The terrain and vegetation were studied. It is found the bushes and small trees under the highway ramp play an important role in promoting the occurrence of DDT.

* Presenter E-mails: Edward.Liu@wanergycorp.com (Edward Liu); bzhang@njtech.edu.cn (Bin Zhang)