On Sat, 06 Mar 2004 17:29:57 GMT, otnmbrd
wrote:



Wayne.B wrote:


I think history has proven that tankers can explode just about
anywhere and it doesn't take a terrorist act. Given planning and
malice, just about ANY tanker can be turned into an incredible weapon
of mass destruction. The planes that hit the WTC were carrying about
10,000 to 12,000 gallons of fuel. Interstate highway overpasses are
routinely destroyed by accidental tanker truck fires involving 6,000
to 8,000 gallons of fuel.

How much fuel on a large tanker?


There are "tankers", and then there are "tankers".
Tankers, such as the one which just blew up off Virginia (?) are one such.
LNG tankers, are another, but it would take someone experienced in them
to spell out the differences. My own understanding is that none of these
have "exploded" and in fact, as carried, the cargo is neither explosive
or flammable ( it first has to be converted from a liquid to a gaseous
state and then be diluted enough with air to become flammable..... kinda
good news, bad news).

You have it right. The gas in super cooled (relatively) and carried
in the liquid state. In that state, it is relatively harmless,
but..... :)

Later,

Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
-----------
"Do fishermen eat avocados? This is a question
that no one ever thinks to ask."

Russel Chatham, "Dark Waters" (1988)