Safety of Pressure Tanks Under Extreme Conditions

In numerous technical applications —from gas-powered vehicles to industrial systems – substances are stored under high pressure. As long as the ambient temperature remains stable, these systems are safe. However, in the event of a fire or sudden exposure to heat, the pressure inside the tank can rise rapidly, especially with gaseous media such as hydrogen, natural gas or LPG. An uncontrolled ressure increase poses significant risks: tank rupture, explosions and danger to people and infrastructure. Existing safety devices for temperature-dependent pressure relief often reach their limits in critical situations. Some systems respond too slowly or incompletely, while others are vulnerable to external influences such as cold or mechanical impact. A particularly problematic scenario arises when temperature-sensitive elements remain partially in the system after activation, potentially blocking the pressure channel—resulting in limited or no pressure relief. The consequence: increased risk of explosion and structural damage.