A vapor cloud is essentially vapor that has gathered in a specific location.
Vapor clouds can be dangerous, especially if the vapor is flammable or toxic. Here's a breakdown:
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Definition: According to the provided context, a vapor cloud is simply vapor which has gathered in one place.
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Formation: Vapor clouds can form due to various events, such as:
- Volatilization of substances (e.g., cyclohexane). An example provided in the reference mentions "an estimated 30 tons of cyclohexane volatilized and formed a large vapor cloud."
- Rupture of pipelines containing liquefied petroleum gas. The reference states, "A rupture of a pipeline carrying liquefied petroleum gas may lead to the formation of a vapor cloud."
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Potential Hazards: Depending on the substance making up the vapor cloud, it can pose significant risks:
- Flammability: Flammable vapors can ignite, causing explosions or fires.
- Toxicity: Toxic vapors can cause health problems or even death through inhalation.
In summary, a vapor cloud is a localized accumulation of vapor, and its potential danger depends on the properties of the vapor itself.
