Explosions

Explosions, particularly Vapour Cloud Explosions (VCEs) are some of the most destructive events that can occur in the process industries. Chapter 10 briefly describes the various types of explosion that occur followed by a description of how an explosion develops and a blast wave is generated. The difference between a deflagration and a detonation is outlined. A separate section describes VCE’s—a particularly destructive type of explosion— and provides simple, but approximate, calculation methods. Whilst much of the damage from explosions is caused by blast, projectiles can also be hazardous, and brief details are provided, followed by the information on the effect of explosions on humans and equipment. The chapter concludes with a description of explosion mitigation methods and “What Can Go Wrong?”.