Mobile gas cylinders in fire: Consequences in case of failure

Abstract

Commercial, off-the shelf propane cylinders are subjected to high safety regulations. Furthermore, those cylinders are equipped with safety devices like pressure relief valves (PRV). Despite these regulations and safety measures, a failure of the container is possible if exposed to an intense fire. The result of this is severe hazard for users, rescue forces and infrastructure. Within the framework of a destructive test series, 15 identical propane cylinders, without pressure relief devices, were exposed to an intensive fire in horizontal position until failure. Each cylinder was filled with a mass of m =11kg of liquid propane. Three different fire sources were used (wood, petrol, propane). The experiments revealed the failure of all cylinders in a time period t<155s. The failure lead to a fragmentation into several major parts with throwing distances of up to l =262m. In all trials, the temperature of the cylinder wall (top, side, bottom), of the liquid phase inside and of the surrounding fire (top, side, bottom) was recorded. In addition, the inner cylinder pressure and the induced overpressure of the blast wave after the failure were recorded. Overpressures of up to p=0.27bar were recorded close to the cylinder (l =5m). All tests were documented by video from several positions (general view, close-up, high-speed 5000 fps). This test series creates the basis for further experimental studies in the field of alternative fuels for vehicles. The aim of this test series is to assess and analyse the consequences of the failure of gas vessels (for LPG, CNG, CGH2) in the aftermath of severe incidents.