What hazard can occur when a cryogenic liquid warms in a closed container?

What hazard can occur when a cryogenic liquid warms in a closed container?

• A. Condensation
• B. Freezing of container walls
• C. Decrease in pressure
• D. Dramatic expansion causing pressure buildup

Answer: (D)

When a cryogenic liquid warms in a closed container, it rapidly vaporizes. Cryogenic liquids occupy a tiny volume as liquid but expand drastically when turned into gas—often hundreds of times more space. In a sealed vessel with no way to vent, that vapor builds up pressure quickly. The resulting overpressure can cause venting, deformation, or even rupture of the container, posing a serious hazard. The other options don’t fit: condensation isn’t the main risk from warming, freezing of the walls isn’t the direct hazard in this scenario, and pressure would increase rather than decrease.

When a cryogenic liquid warms in a closed container, it rapidly vaporizes. Cryogenic liquids occupy a tiny volume as liquid but expand drastically when turned into gas—often hundreds of times more space. In a sealed vessel with no way to vent, that vapor builds up pressure quickly. The resulting overpressure can cause venting, deformation, or even rupture of the container, posing a serious hazard. The other options don’t fit: condensation isn’t the main risk from warming, freezing of the walls isn’t the direct hazard in this scenario, and pressure would increase rather than decrease.