Study on leakage of superheated liquid in confined space under natural and needle rupture

Effects of vessel weak link fracture and external impact-induced rupture on the onset of superheated boiling are distinct, and the scientific understanding of these effects remains limited. This study investigates the leakage processes in a small storage tank within a confined environment and compares the effects of natural rupture and needle puncture-induced leakage. Experimental results demonstrated that under the same leakage conditions, the depressurization rate of needle puncture was lower than that of natural rupture. Furthermore, in the needle puncture mode, tank pressure was maintained within the saturated vapor pressure range corresponding to the liquid temperature. In natural rupture mode, pressure exceeded this saturated vapor pressure threshold, initiating bubble formation. As release pressure increased, the bubble rise velocity initially increased, followed by a gradual decline, until the bubbles either ruptured or coalesced during their ascent. The confined space also restricted upward fluid motion, thereby slowing depressurization and preventing pressure rebound. The present study can offer a valuable preventive approach for mitigating tank leakage incidents within confined spaces.