The Rotterdam International Forum for Industrial Fire-fighting (IFIF) has found a way to prevent burning oil from a fire in an oil tank from spurting out of the tank with great force. Such a ‘boilover’ resembles a gushing geyser and can cause serious damage within a radius of up to 1000 metres from the burning tank, Rotterdam Port official website reports.
Since 1925, many scientists have tried to fathom the mechanism behind the boilover, without success. Only two years ago did it become clear what mechanism caused such a phenomenon during an oil fire. On the basis of this knowledge, the IFIF set up a study. Following the laboratory phase, it was demonstrated last week in Spain, during several large-scale practical trials, that the method found could also work on the largest storage tanks.
Insofar as we know, the first boilover occurred in America in 1917, in Bakersfield (California), in a tank of crude oil, which was probably ignited by a bolt of lightning. Other storage tanks, as well as buildings, onlookers and firemen were hit by the burning oil that spurted from the tank.
Insofar as we know, there have been 30 similar fires since, the latest in 2005. Many of the business premises caught up in a boilover were never rebuilt after the incident.
Insofar as we know, there have been 30 similar fires since, the latest in 2005. Many of the business premises caught up in a boilover were never rebuilt after the incident.
The IFIF is concerned with themes relating to industrial safety and incident management. It is a collaboration between the Joint Fire Service, DCMR Environmental Protection Agency Rijnmond, Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety Region, the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Deltalinqs (the organisation that represents the joint interests of companies in Rotterdam’s port and industrial area). More information : www.IFIF.nl
