Hi there again, I have a query rather complex perhaps someone can help shed light. We have old pipelines in culverts that are filled with marine fuel oil and diesel respectively (THEY HAVE BOTH BEEN MIXED WITH WATER) they are located in culverts. As yet I don't know the flash point of these fuels. However my question is in the event of a leak could they form explosive atmospheres within the culverts. Noting that the temperature within the culverts can get between 30-40 degrees in the summer? I know there are many unknowns in my question but any help would be appreciated. Thanks and best regards

Hi there, thanks for the reply really appreciated, here is how I understand the issue more or less if anyone could confirm or correct my thinking would be appreciated. Marine fuel oil has a flash point of around 64 degrees C, if the line is not completely full you will get some vapors accumulated within the pipe. Even though the temperature is below 64 degrees because the pipe is closed you will still get vapors accumulated within the pipe, if this pipe where to leak would the accumulated gas within the pipeline be able to cause a explosive atmosphere within the culvert? Does this depend on the amount of mixing of vapors and air and if this vapor cloud reaches a conc within the explosive range?

Combustion inside the culverts is very unlikely due to low temperature, prescence of water and I expect there is a lack of oxygen in the culverts.