ABSTRACT
In the present context, it is important to recall that two types of BLEVEs are usually defined: “cold” or “unfired” BLEVE, and “ hot” or “fired” BLEVE. The first one is due to an impact in a road accident or to tank material defects. The second is thermally induced and may occur if the tank is exposed to an external fire (e.g., pool-fire or jet-fire). In the latter case, fire exposure causes a vessel wall temperature increase in the vapour space, decreasing mechanical resistance. Meanwhile, the internal pressure and the liquid temperature both increase, causing more severe tensions on the structure, which could loose its integrity in a catastrophic rupture.
