Storage Battery Explosions: Hydrogen or "Bleve?"

Journal Article Title: Storage Battery Explosions: Hydrogen or "Bleve?"
Article Author(s): Dixon, Harry S., Ph.D., P.E.
Volume: 1
Volume #: 1
Month: June
Year: 1984

Abstract:

Storage battery explosions have been known for nearly a century. Usually these explosions took place in battery charging rooms as a result of the ignition of the hydrogen given off during charging. Recent experience during heavy discharge of batteries used for mobile equipment starters has pointed up the inadequacy of the hydrogen explosion theory. This phenomenon has long been recognized but no adequate explanation has been given. 1 The most logical explanation is that these explosions are B-oiling L-iquid E-expanding V-apor E-xplosions, which are similar to the phenomenon of a single spurting of a geyser. As used, the term "BLEVE explosion" contains some redundancy as the last "E" in BLEVE also stands for explosion. Two forensic cases were involved. See Figures 1 and 2 for photographs of the damaged batteries. Both resulted in injury to a user. Defendants claimed the explosions were hydrogen explosions ignited by a spark created by the injured party who did not observe other allegedly safe practices.