This article is about What is boilover fire?, boil over takes place, boil-over phenomenon.
What is Boilover?
Boilover is a catastrophic event that can occur during the extinguishing of a fire in a flammable liquid storage tank. It is an extremely dangerous and destructive phenomenon that can cause severe injuries, fatalities, and extensive damage to equipment and property. In this article, we will explore what boilover is, its causes, and the measures that can be taken to prevent and control it.
Boilover is a violent event that happens when water is sprayed on the surface of a burning flammable liquid, such as oil, gasoline, or diesel. The intense heat of the fire causes the liquid to vaporize, and as the water comes into contact with the hot vapor layer, it instantly turns into steam, creating a large steam bubble. The steam bubble then rises rapidly to the surface, pushing the liquid fuel with it. As the bubble reaches the surface, it ruptures violently, causing the fuel to spill over and ignite in a massive fireball.
What Causes Boilover?
Boilover can occur when water is applied to a burning flammable liquid in a storage tank, where the fuel has formed a stable layer or “blanket” on top of the liquid due to a lack of agitation. This blanket insulates the liquid from the cooling effect of water, allowing the temperature of the fuel to remain high enough to generate vapor. The steam created by the water sprayed onto the fuel then lifts the blanket and creates a cavity underneath, causing the fuel to boil over the tank walls.
Prevention and Control of Boilover
Prevention is the best approach to avoiding boilover. Proper storage and handling of flammable liquids can significantly reduce the risk of boilover. It is essential to ensure that the storage tanks are well-maintained, with reliable pressure relief systems and appropriate grounding and bonding of equipment to prevent static electricity buildup. Regular inspection, maintenance, and testing of storage tanks and associated equipment are critical in preventing leaks, spills, and other potential hazards.
In case of fire, it is important to control the fire before applying water to the burning fuel. This can be achieved by using dry chemical extinguishers, foam, or other fire suppression agents that can cool the fire without creating steam. If water must be used, it should be applied gently, in a mist or fog form, and directed at the tank walls rather than the fuel surface.
Conclusion
Boilover is a dangerous and destructive event that can occur during the extinguishing of a fire in a flammable liquid storage tank. It is important to understand the causes of boilover and take preventive measures to avoid it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between boilover and slopover?
Slop-over and boil-over are two terms that are often used interchangeably but refer to different phenomena that occur during the heating of liquids.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eSlop-over occurs when the contents of a container boil over the rim due to excessive heat, but the liquid does not catch fire. This can happen, for example, when boiling water on a stove without paying attention to the level of water in the pot. The water will start to boil, and if the heat is not turned down, it can boil over the rim of the pot, making a mess on the stove.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eBoil-over, on the other hand, is a much more dangerous phenomenon that occurs when flammable liquids are heated too rapidly. When a flammable liquid such as gasoline, oil, or alcohol is heated, it can create a layer of foam on the surface. As the liquid continues to heat, the foam can expand rapidly and spill over the sides of the container. This spilled liquid can ignite, causing a dangerous fire or explosion.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eOne of the key differences between slop-over and boil-over is the nature of the liquid being heated. Slop-over can occur with any liquid, while boil-over specifically refers to flammable liquids. Additionally, while slop-over is a nuisance that can cause a mess, boil-over can be extremely dangerous and even deadly.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eIt is important to take proper precautions when heating liquids, especially flammable ones, to prevent boil-over incidents. This can include using a heat diffuser, lowering the heat when the liquid starts to boil, and never leaving the heating liquid unattended. By understanding the difference between slop-over and boil-over and taking proper safety measures, the risk of dangerous incidents can be minimized.