What does BLEVE stand for?

The term BLEVE stands for Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion. This phenomenon occurs when a vessel containing a pressurized liquid, typically a flammable or hazardous fluid, is heated beyond its boiling point. When the pressure exceeds the strength of the container, it can lead to a catastrophic failure, releasing the pressurized liquid and causing a violent explosion. This explosion is driven by the rapid expansion of vapor generated when the liquid converts to gas, resulting in an explosive mixture that can be highly destructive.

The understanding of BLEVE is critical for firefighting and emergency response, as it underscores the need for appropriate handling of pressurized liquids and rapid assessment of situations involving heat exposure to such vessels. The other choices listed do not accurately represent the established definition of BLEVE and contain terms or concepts that do not reflect the dynamics of this specific type of explosion.