What happens if the gas concentrations in the tank exceed the lower explosive limit?

When gas concentrations in a tank exceed the lower explosive limit (LEL), it means that the mixture of gases is within a range that can ignite or explode when exposed to an ignition source. The lower explosive limit is a critical threshold that indicates the minimum concentration of gas necessary for combustion.

Once the concentration surpasses this limit, the risk of fire or an explosion becomes significant. Such a scenario poses a severe safety hazard, as any spark or heat source could ignite the volatile mixture, leading to catastrophic consequences. This emphasizes the importance of monitoring gas concentrations in tanks to ensure they remain below the LEL, thereby preventing potential disasters.

In contrast, increased pressure, spillage of cargo, or tank collapse may not directly link to exceeding the LEL, although high concentrations could lead to increases in pressure within a closed system. However, the primary and most immediate concern with gas concentrations surpassing the LEL is the substantial risk of fire or explosion, making that the correct focus in this context.