Explosion due to the rupture of a pressure vessel containing liquid above boiling temperature "Bleve" redirects here. For the footballer, see Marco Bleve Flames subsequent to a flammable liquid BLEVE from a tanker . (BLEVEs do not necessarily involve fire). A boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE, BLEV-ee) is an explosion caused by the rupture of a vessel containing a pressurized liquid that has reached temperature above its boiling point.[1][2] Because the boiling point of a liquid rises with pressure, the contents of the pressurized vessel can remain liquid as long as the vessel is intact. If the vessel's integrity is compromised, the loss of pressure and dropping boiling point can cause the liquid to rapidly convert to a gas and expand rapidly. If the gas is combustible, as is the case with hydrocarbons and alcohols, further damage can be caused by an ensuing fire. Mechanism [ edit ] There are three key elements causing a BLEVE:[3] A substance in liquid form at a temperature above its normal atmospheric pressure boiling point. A containment vessel maintaining the pressure that keeps the substance in liquid form. A sudden loss of containment that rapidly drops the pressure. Typically, a BLEVE starts with a container of liquid which is held above its normal, atmospheric-pressure boiling temperature. Many substances normally stored as liquids, such as CO 2 , propane, and other similar industrial gases have boiling temperatures far below room temperature when at atmospheric pressure. In the case of water, a BLEVE could occur if a pressurized chamber of water is heated far beyond the standard 100 °C (212 °F). That container, because the boiling water pressurizes it, must be capable of holding liquid water at very high temperatures. If the pressurized vessel, containing liquid at high temperature (which may be room temperature, depending on the substance) ruptures, the pressure which prevents the liquid from boiling is lost. If the rupture is…