Stopping gas tanks exploding

“Gas tank explosions are devastating, causing widespread damage and casualties. And yet LPG is a much cheaper and cleaner fuel than petrol. What I have invented is a system that will stop LPG tanks from exploding,” says Fresh Innovator Colin Young. He plans a dramatic test of the device at the World land speed record attempt at Lake Gairdner in SA in March 2005.

When LPG (liquefied petroleum gas, or propane) tanks are engulfed in a fire, they explode in a devastating manner, called a BLEVE - boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion. The explosion occurs because the top of the tank becomes very hot and weakened then the high pressue fuel inside causes the tank to rupture and explode. Melbourne firemen feared just such an explosion in 2003 when an LPG tanker crashed near high rise apartments in Flemington.

“Preventing BLEVEs is actually quite simple,” says Colin. “Inside the tank is liquid LPG which means the bottom of the tank is always going to be much cooler than the top where there is just gas against metal. It is the top that gets overheated and ruptures.”

“On all tanks there is a pressure relief valve at the top. So I have fitted a pump to the valve. It’s driven by the pressure of the vapour releasing. It sprays cold liquid LPG from the bottom of the tank upwards onto the internal surface of the top of the tank. This stops the top of the tank from over-heating, rupturing and exploding.”

“It’s amazing that no one has ever thought of this simple solution to a major problem,” says Colin.

The anti-BLEVE system can be fitted into new LPG tanks for cars and buses as well as larger storage and transportation tanks used by industry. It can also be retro-fitted to existing tanks. The system is automatic, does not require power and is durable as it is immersed in non-corrosive liquid fuel.

Colin witnessed first hand the power of a BLEVE when working on alternative-fuelled vehicles in North America. Instead of a gas fuel being released, liquid fuel escapes which exacerbates the intensity of the fire. It releases 270 times the amount of fuel that would have been released as a vapour.

The anti-BLEVE system has been granted a US patent. Colin’s invention has already won him a place at Fresh Innovators – a national initiative to bring the work of 16 early career innovators to public attention. After initial training in Sydney in May, the sixteen are talking to the media, schools and business about their ideas. One of the 16 will win a study tour to the UK courtesy of the British Council Australia.

Colin plans a dramatic test of his system during the world speed record attempts which are held each year at Lake Gairdner in SA. He will set up two identical LPG tanks – one protected, one not. He expects the results will demonstrate to firemen, emergency-services personnel, insurance companies, unions and the general public that LPG can be made stored more safely.

“Any device that is capable of providing a safer community would be welcomed,” says Alan Quinton, Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Melbourne’s Western Zone, a region encompassing 13 fire stations, 350 firefighters and industrial areas with many industrial LPG tanks.

“This proposed device if successful will provide a safer environment for not only the community but for firefighters who are responsible for dealing with LPG tanks being impinged by fire.”

“I hope my invention will help eliminate the fear that many people have of using LPG and encourage them to swap over from petrol and diesel,” says Colin. “Rather than having to rely on imported fuel, Australia will be able to make use of our own abundant supplies.”

Colin has a Masters degree in Automotive Engineering. Since 1967, he has worked in the automotive engineering industry, including at the G.M. Technical Centre in Detroit. He has specialized in vehicle safety, alternative fuels, and emissions control.

Photos: High resolution photos, technical specifications and a video of a BLEVE are online at www.freshinnovators.org. A working prototype using water is available for viewing.

For interview or more information contact Colin Young on 03 9580 3024 or A/hrs on 03 9580 1138 M. 0418 560 750.

Alan Quinton is available for interview on the risks posed by LPG explosions ph 03 9665 4358 or M. 0407 855 294.

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Colin Young with valve	Colin Young

An end to the threat of exploding gas tanks?

A Melbourne engineer has invented a patented system that could eliminate the risk of LPG explosions.