Kiömlés

Kiömlés is a Hungarian term meaning the outflow or spill of liquid from a container, vessel, pipe, or system. It describes the discharge of liquid to the surrounding environment and can refer to both intentional releases, such as controlled drainage, and accidental leaks. The word is used across several disciplines to discuss the movement of liquids out of containment.

In hydrology and civil engineering, kiömlés denotes the discharge from tanks, basins, reservoirs, or drainage networks. It is typically quantified as a flow rate and is a key element in water balance calculations, flood management, and design of drainage systems. Factors affecting kiömlés in this context include hydraulic pressure, tank geometry, and flow resistance.

In process engineering and industrial safety, kiömlés refers to the release of process liquids from vessels, piping, or reactors. It is a primary safety concern that is mitigated through proper containment, level control, relief devices, secondary containment, and robust emergency response planning to prevent environmental release and harm to people.

In environmental contexts, kiömlés can lead to soil and water contamination, triggering cleanup operations and regulatory reporting. Preventive measures emphasize engineering controls, spill response plans, and monitoring to minimize ecological and public health impacts.

Etymology: the word combines ki- meaning “out” and ömlés meaning “gushing” or “flowing,” reflecting its core meaning of liquids moving out of containment.