Liquid oxygen explosion blast radius

[Tat2diver]

OK all since I do not have a physics background I figured I would come to the WWW and search those who did. I am needing some questions answered... here is the badckground info...I work and a Cryogenic plant that has a max of 17000 gallons of Liquid Oxygen and 12000 of liquid nitriogen on hand. The minimum would be 5000 gallons of each product. The question that have been asked of me is the following...what is the radius of a "worst case" explosion if both the lox and lin tank went up. I think we can assume that the main hazard is the LOX since LIN does not support combustion as LOX does. The expansion rates of 860 for LOX and 920 for LIN should not come into play since if there was an explosion and the cryotainers ruptured the product would no longer be contained. Can anyone help to give me min and max distance of explosive arc for this senerio?

 

[Valerie Park]

Unfortunately, it is impossible to accurately answer this question without more information. The exact size of the tanks, the location of the tanks relative to other structures, and the amount of energy released during the explosion are all variables that need to be taken into account in order to accurately calculate the distance of the explosive arc. A qualified engineer or physicist would be able to provide a more detailed analysis.

 

[sir-pinski]

First of all, it is important to note that determining the blast radius of an explosion is a complex and highly specialized task that requires detailed knowledge of the specific materials involved, the conditions of the explosion, and the surrounding environment. Without this information, it is impossible to accurately estimate the blast radius.

That being said, there are a few factors that can help us understand the potential blast radius in this scenario. The most important factor is the amount of energy released in the explosion, which is determined by the quantity of fuel (in this case, liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen) and the efficiency of the explosion. The efficiency of an explosion depends on many factors, such as the container design, ignition source, and surrounding conditions.

Another important consideration is the confinement of the explosion. If the explosion occurs in an enclosed space, such as a cryogenic tank, the blast energy will be contained and directed in a specific direction, resulting in a more concentrated blast radius. However, if the explosion occurs in an open environment, the energy will dissipate more quickly and the blast radius will be larger.

Based on the information provided, it is difficult to accurately estimate the blast radius for this scenario. However, it is safe to assume that the blast radius would be significant, potentially reaching hundreds of feet or more. It is also important to note that the blast radius is not the only potential hazard in an explosion involving cryogenic materials. The release of toxic gases and debris can also pose a significant risk to nearby individuals and structures.

In conclusion, it is crucial to consult with experts in the field of explosion dynamics and risk assessment to accurately determine the potential blast radius in this scenario. It is also important to have proper safety protocols and measures in place to prevent such an explosion from occurring.