Is Your Water Heater or Boiler At Risk for BLEVE Explosion?
Water heater and boiler tank explosions are rare and can be prevented with careful maintenance.
BLEVE, or Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion, is a rare but dramatic event that can potentially affect any hot water heater or boiler. However, in order for a BLEVE to occur there must be some weak spot in the system that simply cannot withstand the intense pressure and energy released when superheated water turns from a liquid to steam inside the system.
So long as your hot water heater or boiler does not have any of the following risk factors, you are most likely safe from a BLEVE:
Temperature/Pressure Relief Valve Problems
Both water heaters and boilers have relief valves that are designed to open when the pressure becomes too great and/or the temperature becomes too high. When these valves don’t work properly, conditions for a BLEVE can grow. Some common problems with these valves include:
- Missing valves
- Improper installation
- Damaged valves
- Leaky or corroded valves that can clog with scale
- Valves covered by owner-installed insulation
- Undersized or blocked relief valve discharge tubes
Scale Accumulation
The buildup of minerals from hard water can also contribute to BLEVE explosions, particularly in oil or gas fired equipment that is heated from the bottom. The growing layer of scale at the bottom of the tank makes it difficult for the hot water to circulate, and the metal at the bottom of the tank can then become overheated and potentially weakened over time. Reports of tanks shooting up into the air like rockets most likely involved scale accumulation.
Temperature Control Problems
If the temperature control for the boiler or water heater malfunctions or has been replaced with the wrong part for the unit, it may be possible for the water in the tank to become superheated, which could cause more pressure than the relief valve could handle.
Improper Equipment Installation
One final risk factor for a BLEVE is installing the equipment in a manner inconsistent with the manufacturer’s intent. Common examples include installing a water heater on its side or allowing the base to contact the ground.
Remember, you don’t necessarily have to replace your entire water heater or boiler to protect yourself and your property against risk of BLEVE. Often, your risk can be reduced down to virtually nothing with a few simple repairs. You should also take care to invest in regular professional inspections and maintenance to ensure no new risk factors develop. The Stanley Louis Company can help with all these activities so call us now to get peace of mind against BLEVE.
