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In the context of BLEVE, what happens when a liquid suddenly fails?

  1. A controlled expansion occurs

  2. A rapid transformation into vapor happens

  3. The pressure stabilizes

  4. Heat is stored in the liquid

The correct answer is: A rapid transformation into vapor happens

When a liquid suddenly fails in the context of a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE), a rapid transformation into vapor occurs. This phenomenon happens when a container holding a pressurized liquid is compromised, leading to a rapid decrease in pressure. As the pressure drops, the liquid, which is under high pressure in the container, expands quickly and transforms into a vapor. This process can release a significant amount of energy, resulting in an explosion. The rapid evaporation and expansion of the liquid create a mass of vapor almost instantaneously, which is a critical aspect of BLEVE. This behavior underlines the importance of understanding fluid dynamics and thermodynamics in situations involving pressurized liquids and contributes to safety protocols in industries where such chemicals are stored or used.