A Discussion on the Risks Associated with Water Filling of Propane Tanks

Abstract : The events in March of 2011 in Japan have provided us with an example of what can happen when a LPG sphere filled with water is exposed to an earthquake (Birk et al., 2013). A sphere was filled with water to prepare an inspection. The main earthquake shock caused several of the diagonal braces that were supporting the tank legs to fracture. During the after-shock, some legs holding up the tank bent and the tank collapsed, severing LPG pipes and resulting in leakage. The leak ignited and spread to the adjacent spherical tanks stocking liquefied butane and butylene. The rapid development of the fire caused the fall of most tanks (broken foot support) and a cascade of BLEVE (boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion). There is another issue. What could have occurred if another propane tank filled with water had been exposed to fire? Is there a risk that the tank suffered a BLEVE? This paper deals with the risks associated with earthquake and fire which may be a secondary effect of the earthquake.