Your Boiler or Water Heater Could Be at Risk for BLEVE Explosion Without You Knowing It
Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosions, or BLEVEs, are spectacular but uncommon occurrences that might possibly harm any boiler or hot water heater. However, for a BLEVE to happen, the system must include some weakness that is unable to survive the extreme pressure and energy generated when superheated water transforms from a liquid to steam.
You are most likely protected from a BLEVE if your boiler or hot water heater does not contain any of the following risk factors. If you are not sure, or if it has been more than a few years since your water heater has been serviced, contact The Stanley Louis Company at 800-217-6527 for help.
Problems with the temperature/pressure relief valve
Boilers and water heaters both feature relief valves that are intended to open when the pressure or temperature exceeds safe levels. When these valves aren’t functioning correctly, the potential for a BLEVE might increase. These valves frequently have issues like missing valves, faulty installation, faulty valves, rusted or leaky valves that might get scale-clogged, owner-installed insulation covers valves, or oversized or obstructed discharge tubes for relief valves.
Scale building up
Hard water accumulation may also cause BLEVE explosions, especially in equipment that burns gas or oil and is heated from the bottom up. The metal at the bottom of the tank might eventually get overheated and perhaps weakened over time due to the thickening layer of scale that is obstructing the hot water’s flow. Tanks launching into the air like rockets were most likely caused by scale buildup, according to reports.
Problems with temperature control
It is possible for the water in the tank to get overheated, which might lead to higher pressure than the relief valve could manage, if the temperature control for the boiler or water heater is broken or was replaced with the incorrect part for the appliance.
Equipment installation done wrong
The equipment being installed differently than the manufacturer intended is one last risk factor for a BLEVE. Examples that come to mind are laying a water heater on its side or letting the base touch the ground.
Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to replace your complete boiler or water heater if you want to safeguard your home and family from the risk of BLEVE. Your danger may frequently be decreased to almost zero with a few straightforward fixes. To guarantee that no new danger concerns emerge, you should also be careful to engage in routine expert inspections and maintenance. The Stanley Louis Company can assist with all of these tasks, so contact us right away to acquire security against BLEVE.
