Hello G ST.JEAN,

detonation is different to explosion, and the containment could be done constructive or with explosion suppression or ... venting...

Some stuff we offer is explosion-proof, what means that the equipment can handle defined overpreassure (Pred) and preasure raise (KSt)

I am far away to be an expert

so

the best you ask an expert. The are a some people, but I know this one

http://www.fireex.eu/

write us what he told you

Best regards ■

Originally Posted by G ST.JEAN

I'm currently trying to validate a Pressure Vessel for use as a blast containment vessel for tubes under reasonably high pressure and temperature (1885 psig @ 600°F) in an R&D test application. There is a fair amount of literature on equating the energy produced by a BLEVE (Boiling-Liquid Expanding-Vapour Explosion) to an equivalent charge of TNT but following that is where I'm getting stuck. I can calculate the energy released when the tube bursts, however, it seems like all the research and literature I can find quantifies the effect of that blast as it pertains to open-air explosions and the associated Shock Wave that is generated from the BLEVE. Scaled distances are greater than I'm dealing with and Side-On overpressure is much lower than I would expect in a confined space. For instance 10 psi Over-Pressure equates to complete destruction of buildings.

I need to take the energy that is released from the BLEVE (approaching 1 MJ) and equate it to an equivalent static pressure on the vessel interior (ID 21").

Can any one point to some decent regulations, papers or texts that deal specifically with the containments of detonations in small confined spaces, preferably Steel Pressure Vessels?

the ASTM standards for pressure vessels would be what you need I would think anyway as the explosve energy would be divided into the vessels square area I would think and then research what the vessel is capable of withstanding prsessure wise

Title 30 of the CFR.gov

www.msha.gov for gas related mine explosions and containment of same in ungasketed electrical panels in coal mines

flour millers associaton of the united states. EEU, south america, australia, east asia.

The national fire protection association,

www.nfpa.org

national board of fire underwriters

www.nfpa

www.usfa.gov

www.astm.org

www.bombdetection.com

I hope that the homeland security agency does not knock on my door now:^0 ■

Validation is irrelevant owing to a change of use. Even if you have a minute by minute record of the stress cycles of an existing vessel you cannot just change its use. The vessel is only legal for the purpose for which it is designed. ie the design service.

If your vessel has already been used elsewhere then the ASME VIII code will not cover your new application. You must contact an insurer for your legal position.

In practice you should install a containment screen to prevent shrapnel from work hardening the blast chamber. There is a particularly good Italian company on this website who make vent valves for overpressure and vacuum operations. You will also need a bursting disc on one of the nozzles with the appropriate containment piping. ■