Pipeline explosions: a new theory

Numerous industrial explosions share several common factors: fluid transients were known to occur; trapped flammable gases were known to collect in the piping; fluid transients sometimes caused pressures exceeding 1,000 psi which meet the required pressures for autoignition of gases; and explosions in piping occurred with causes that are not yet welt understood. The author developed a theory that may explain these events. The theory states that if piping contains a flammable gas and there is an inrush of fluid into the piping, the gas can adiabatically compress to its autoignition point, and then the gas, given sufficient quantity and pressure, can ignite and explode. Flammable gases are known contributors to fires and explosions in oil pipelines.