- Author
- Vargas, P.
- Title
- Fire and Other Material Damages Prevention--The Tragedy of Tacoa.
- Journal
- Mapfre Seguridad, Vol. 13, No. 1st Quarter, 5-10, 1984
- Keywords
- fuel tanks | deflagration | boiling | combustion | crude oil | power plants
- Abstract
- [ABSTRACT IN ENGLISH] One of the biggest fire catastrophes in the history of mankind broke loose in December 19, 1982, at the thermic power-station in the town of Arrecife, Venezuela. The fire, which began at one of the fuel tanks, brought a boil-over phenomenon, followed by a deflagration which spread over an area of more than 1000 m. in radius. The overflowing by boiling, or boil-over, is a word used for describing a phenomenon which can take place spontaneously during the burning of an open deposit containing several types of crude mineral oils. After a long combustion period, a sudden overflowing or ejection of part of the residual crude oils in the deposit takes place, originated by the boiling of the water. This forms an oil and vapor foam that expands quickly and which, mixed with oxygen, constitutes a powerful explosive blend. Two hundred people, including 72 firemen, perished in the disaster. The material damages were very high and affected the adjoining dwellings, the power-station facilities and the vehicles and equipment of the fire brigade. Even today, after more than a year, the causes and circumstances of the accident and the contingent responsibilities, are unknown. It can just become one more of the great disasters which dilute in the course of time.