BLEVE stands for which of the following?

• A. Rapid vaporization of a liquid stored under pressure upon release to the atmosphere following major failure of its containing vessel.
• B. A slow leak of liquid from a ruptured vessel.
• C. A mechanical failure that causes the vessel to sag without release.
• D. A chemical reaction that reduces pressure.

Answer: (A)

BLEVE describes the dramatic rapid boil-off that happens when a vessel containing a pressurized liquid is breached. The liquid is stored under pressure and is often above its normal boiling point. When the vessel fails and the liquid is released to the atmosphere, the sudden drop in pressure causes the liquid to flash boil quickly, creating a large amount of hot vapor that expands violently and can blow the vessel apart. The option that states rapid vaporization of a liquid stored under pressure upon release to the atmosphere after major vessel failure captures this exact sequence, making it the best match. The other scenarios describe slow leakage, structural sag without release, or a chemical reaction reducing pressure—none of which produce the rapid explosive vapor expansion that defines a BLEVE. For reference, BLEVE stands for Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion.