Under what circumstance may a BLEVE occur?

Prepare for the North Carolina Fire Investigation Technician Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

A Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE) is a phenomenon that occurs when a pressurized container, typically holding a liquid, is subjected to an external heat source, leading to an increase in the internal temperature of the liquid or vapor. When this temperature rises sufficiently, the pressure within the container can exceed its design limits, causing it to rupture or explode.

In this context, the correct answer revolves around the relationship between heat and pressure in pressurized systems. When a fire or some heat source raises the temperature of the liquid, it can cause the liquid to expand and vaporize. This rapid expansion can create a significant increase in pressure, leading to a catastrophic failure of the container if it cannot withstand the pressure build-up.

The other options do not accurately describe the specific conditions that lead to a BLEVE. For example, removing liquid from a pressurized container may not necessarily lead to a BLEVE unless the remaining liquid is subjected to heat and pressure increases. Similarly, while a sudden rupture of a container could result in an explosion, it doesn't inherently define the conditions of a BLEVE, which is specifically tied to heat-induced pressure rise in a liquid. Lastly, chemical reactions with other substances can lead to various types of explosions, but they

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