Suppression effects of micro-fin surface on the explosive boiling of liquefied gas under rapid depressurization

The boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE) is a most severe hazard in liquefied gas storage and transportation, and its prevention depends on the suppression of the explosive boiling during tank depressurization. This paper proposes an idea of using micro-fin type surface to suppress the explosive boiling, and experimentally investigates the suppression mechanisms and quantitative effects on the explosive boiling. In the experiments, the bubble behaviors on a micro-fin and a smooth surface are observed for phenomenal analysis, and the explosive boiling consequences of the two surfaces are measured for quantitative evaluation. The results show that, the micro-fin surface brings forward the nucleation onset and reduces the boiling region, resulting in a weakened explosive boiling process. Among release pressures of 200 kPa-500 kPa and vent areas of 1.8 cm²-5.3 cm², the adopted micro-fin surface reduces the boiling-induced pressure rise and the released energy by up to 24.5% and 35.6%, respectively.