Incident analysis of Bucheon LPG filling station pool fire and BLEVE

An LPG filling station incident in Korea has been studied. The direct cause of the incident was concluded to be faulty joining of the couplings of the hoses during the butane unloading process from a tank lorry into an underground storage tank. The faulty connection of a hose to the tank lorry resulted in a massive leak of gas followed by catastrophic explosions. The leaking source was verified by calculating the amount of released LPG and by analyzing captured photos recorded by the television news service. Two BLEVEs were also studied.     

Experimental evaluation of LPG tank explosion hazards

Liquefied-pressure gases (LPG) are transported and stored in the liquid phase in closed tanks under sufficiently high pressure. In the case of an accident, an abrupt tank unsealing may release enormous quantity of evaporating gas and energy that has a destructive effect on the tank and its surroundings.In this paper, experiments with explosions of small LPG tanks are described. The data acquisition equipment applied in the tests provided a chance to learn dynamics of the process and determine hazard factors. The tests enabled a determination of temperature and pressure at which tanks containing LPG disrupt. The results enable a reconstruction of consecutive phases of the explosion and identification of hazards resulting from damage of the tanks. An explanation of the tank unsealing process with fluid parameters above critical point is given.     

基于MATLAB技术的LPG储罐重大事故动态模拟评价系统开发与应用

为提高人们对LPG储罐重大事故预测、预防水平和抗灾害能力,根据LPG储罐泄漏、扩散、着火、爆炸等事故的发生和发展,建立一套LPG储罐重大事故动态模拟评价方法,在此基础上进行软件系统的功能、模块和数据设计,应用VC与MATLAB可视化面向对象接口技术实现事故后果模拟评价及特征参数随时间、距离变化过程的可视化。该软件能够脱离MATLAB环境运行,实现了评价结果通过图形直观动态显示,可预测特定位置的破坏情况,评价事故影响范围和危害程度。工程应用表明,该评价系统软件用于LPG储罐重大事故的安全评价是可行的,并可用于其他具有着火和爆炸危险性、毒性的重气或液化气体的生产和贮存企业的安全评价。     

Effect of fire engulfment on thermal response of LPG tanks

A model has been developed to predict the thermal response of liquefied-pressure gases (LPG) tanks under fire, and three-dimensional numerical simulations were carried out on a horizontal LPG tank which was 60% filled. Comparison between numerical predictions and published experimental data shows close agreement. The attention is focused on the influence of different fire conditions (different fire scenarios, various engulfing degrees and flame temperatures) on thermal response of LPG tanks. Potential hazard probabilities under different fire conditions were discussed by analyzing the maximum wall temperature and media energy after the internal pressure rose to the same value. It is found that the less severe fire scenario and lower engulfing case may lead to a greater probability of burst hazard because of the higher maximum wall temperature and media energy before the pressure relief valve (PRV) opens.     

Consequence analysis in LPG installation using an integrated computer package

This paper presents the prototype of the computer code, Atlantide, developed to assess the consequences associated with accidental events that can occur in a LPG storage plant. The characteristic of Atlantide is to be simple enough but at the same time adequate to cope with consequence analysis as required by Italian legislation in fulfilling the Seveso Directive. The application of Atlantide is appropriate for LPG storage/transferring installations. The models and correlations implemented in the code are relevant to flashing liquid releases, heavy gas dispersion and other typical phenomena such as BLEVE/Fireball. The computer code allows, on the basis of the operating/design characteristics, the study of the relevant accidental events from the evaluation of the release rate (liquid, gaseous and two-phase) in the unit involved, to the analysis of the subsequent evaporation and dispersion, up to the assessment of the final phenomena of fire and explosion. This is done taking as reference simplified Event Trees which describe the evolution of accidental scenarios, taking into account the most likely meteorological conditions, the different release situations and other features typical of a LPG installation. The limited input data required and the automatic linking between the single models, that are activated in a defined sequence, depending on the accidental event selected, minimize both the time required for the risk analysis and the possibility of errors. Models and equations implemented in Atlantide have been selected from public literature or in-house developed software and tailored with the aim to be easy to use and fast to run but, nevertheless, able to provide realistic simulation of the accidental event as well as reliable results, in terms of physical effects and hazardous areas. The results have been compared with those of other internationally recognized codes and with the criteria adopted by Italian authorities to verify the Safety Reports for LPG installations. A brief of the theoretical basis of each model implemented in Atlantide and an example of application are included in the paper.     

Motorcyclists violating hook-turn area at intersections in Taiwan: An observational study

Research has suggested that the most typical and catastrophic automobile–motorcycle crash takes place when an automobile manoeuvres into the path of an oncoming motorcycle at intersection, which involves a motorist infringing upon the motorcycle's right of way (ROW). In Taiwan, motorcycles, on the other hand, are the one that has been observed to violate the ROW of approaching automobiles at intersections. Such a ROW-violation by left-turn motorcyclists in front of approaching traffic is a safety problem in terms of its frequency and accident consequence. Using high-definition video cameras to capture motorcycles’ behaviours, the present study empirically analyses the determinants of motorcyclists violating the hook-turn area (HTA) that has been implemented in Taiwan to deter motorcyclists from violating the ROW of approaching vehicles. Mixed (random parameters) logit models are found to be superior in fitting the data to traditional binary logit models. Main findings include that there was an increased likelihood of HTA-violation at T/Y intersections, in rural areas, during non rush hours, when the riders were females, younger, when riders were travelling on mopeds or heavier motorcycles, when traffic volume was less, and when riders were with half-style helmets. Implications of the research findings, the concluding remarks, and recommendations for future research are finally provided.     

A quantitative risk analysis approach to port hydrocarbon logistics

A method is presented that allows quantitative risk analysis to be performed on marine hydrocarbon terminals sited in ports. A significant gap was identified in the technical literature on QRA for the handling of hazardous materials in harbours published prior to this work. The analysis is extended to tanker navigation through port waters and loading and unloading facilities. The steps of the method are discussed, beginning with data collecting. As to accident scenario identification, an approach is proposed that takes into account minor and massive spills due to loading arm failures and tank rupture. Frequency estimation is thoroughly reviewed and a shortcut approach is proposed for frequency calculation. This allows for the two-fold possibility of a tanker colliding/grounding at/near the berth or while navigating to/from the berth. A number of probability data defining the possibility of a cargo spill after an external impact on a tanker are discussed. As to consequence and vulnerability estimates, a scheme is proposed for the use of ratios between the numbers of fatal victims, injured and evacuated people. Finally, an example application is given, based on a pilot study conducted in the Port of Barcelona, where the method was tested.     

Transition voltage spectroscopy and the nature of vacuum tunneling

Transition voltage spectroscopy (TVS) has been proposed as a tool to analyze charge transport through molecular junctions. We extend TVS to Au-vacuum-Au junctions and study the distance dependence of the transition voltage V(t)(d) for clean electrodes in cryogenic vacuum. On the one hand, this allows us to provide an important reference for V(t)(d) measurements on molecular junctions. On the other hand, we show that TVS forms a simple and powerful test for vacuum tunneling models.     

Exposure of a liquefied gas container to an external fire

In liquefied gas, bulk-storage facilities and plants, the separation distances between storage tanks and between a tank and a line of adjoining property that can be built are governed by local regulations and/or codes (e.g. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 58, 2004). Separation distance requirements have been in the NFPA 58 Code for over 60 years; however, no scientific foundations (either theoretical or experimental) are available for the specified distances. Even though the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry has operated safely over the years, there is a question as to whether the code-specified distances provide sufficient safety to LPG-storage tanks, when they are exposed to large external fires. A radiation heat-transfer-based model is presented in this paper. The temporal variation of the vapor-wetted tank-wall temperature is calculated when exposed to thermal radiation from an external, non-impinging, large, 30.5 m (100 ft) diameter, highly radiative, hydrocarbon fuel (pool) fire located at a specified distance. Structural steel wall of a pressurized, liquefied gas container (such as the ASME LP-Gas tank) begins to lose its strength, when the wall temperature approaches a critical temperature, 810 K (1000 degrees F). LP-Gas tank walls reaching close to this temperature will be a cause for major concern because of increased potential for tank failure, which could result in catastrophic consequences. Results from the model for exposure of different size ASME (LP-Gas) containers to a hydrocarbon pool fire of 30.5 m (100 ft) in diameter, located with its base edge at the separation distances specified by NFPA 58 [NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, Table 6.3.1, 2004 ed., National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA, 2004] indicate that the vapor-wetted wall temperature of the containers never reach the critical temperature under common wind conditions (0, 5 and 10 m/s), with the flame tilting towards the tank. This indicates that the separation distances specified in the code are adequate for non-impingement type of fires. The model can be used to test the efficacy of other similar codes and regulations for other materials.     

Uncertainty quantification in the health consequences of the boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion phenomenon.

A methodology for estimating the risk owing to the phenomenon of boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion (BLEVE) in the presence of uncertainties both in the model and in the parameters of the models is presented. BLEVE takes place when a tank containing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is exposed to fire and fails catastrophically. Two models have been used in the estimation of the intensity of thermal radiation from the resulting fireball, namely the solid-flame model assuming an emission power independent of the combustion mass and the point-source model that estimates the emissive power as a function of the combustion mass. Three measures of the BLEVE consequences, the intensity of thermal radiation, the dose of thermal radiation and the probability of loss of life as a result of the exposure to the thermal radiation and as a function of the distance from the center of the tank have been considered. Uncertainties in the exact values of the parameters of the models have been quantified and the resulting uncertainties in the three consequence measures have been assessed. A sensitivity analysis on the relative contribution of the uncertainty in each of the input variables to the uncertainties of the consequence measures has been performed. One conclusion is that the uncertainties in the probability of loss of life are mainly due to the uncertainties in the model of the physical phenomenon rather than to the uncertainties of the dose-response model.     

Study on the heat transfer of high-vacuum-multilayer-insulation tank after sudden, catastrophic loss of insulating vacuum

One of the worst accidents that may occur in a high-vacuum-multilayer-insulation (HVMLI) cryogenic tank is a sudden, catastrophic loss of insulating vacuum (SCLIV). There is no doubt that the gases leaking into the insulation jacket have some influence on the heat transfer process of it. However, this issue has not been thoroughly studied so far. In this paper, a test rig was built up and experiments were conducted using a SCLIV cryogenic tank and with nitrogen, helium and air as the working medium, respectively. The venting rates of the tank and temperature in the insulation jacket were measured respectively after the three different gases leaking into the jacket. A heat transfer model describing the heat transfer process of a SCLIV tank was also presented. The calculated results using this model were compared against the experimental data. It is found that the heat transfer performance of the HVMLI cryogenic tank after SCLIV is strong relevant to the type of gas leaking into the insulation jacket.     

Kinetic behavior of polymer-coated long-period-grating fiber-optic sensors

A new method of analysis employing the time-dependent response of long-period-grating (LPG) fiber-optic sensors is introduced. The current kinetic approach allows analysis of the time-dependent wavelength shift of the sensor, in contrast to previous studies, in which the LPG sensing element has been operated in an equilibrium mode and modeled with Langmuir adsorption behavior. A detailed kinetic model presented is based on diffusion of the analyte through the outer protective membrane coating into the affinity coating, which is bound to the fiber cladding. A simpler phenomenological approach presented is based on measurement of the slope of the time-dependent response of the LPG sensor. We demonstrate the principles of the kinetic methods by employing a commercial Cu+2 sensor with a carboxymethylcellulose sensing element. The detailed mathematical model fits the time-dependent behavior well and provides a means of calibrating the concentration-dependent time response. In the current approach, copper concentrations below parts per 10(6) are reliably analyzed. The kinetic model allows early-time measurement for low concentrations of the analyte, where equilibration times are long. This kinetic model should be generally applicable to other affinity-coated LPG fiber-optic sensors.     

郁南县永隆石油气供应站事故应急救援预案

液化石油气具有易燃易爆的特点，生产过程中由于设备运行的故障及其他自然灾害，随时都可能发生意外事故。为加强我站内部安全管理，保障职工生命安全，保护环境，有效控制事故的发生。根据《中华人民共和国安全生产法》及相关法律、法规和省、市、县相关职能部门的要求，结合本站自身实际情况，就可能发生的气瓶、充装设备、槽车卸液、贮罐根部阀门泄漏等突发事件（事故）的影响，特制定本预案。     

高真空多层绝热低温容器真空丧失后的传热试验

利用一个工业化的高真空多层绝热低温量热器,以液氮为介质研究了真空突然丧失对高真空多层绝热低温容器漏热量的影响.主要研究了低温量热器绝热层的变化及破空气体(空气和干燥氮气)的不同对真空丧失后低温容器漏热量的影响,指出绝热层数和破空气体种类都是影响真空丧失后低温容器漏热量的重要因素.     

Analysing the risk of LNG carrier operations

This paper presents a generic, high-level risk assessment of the global operation of ocean-going liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers. The analysis collects and combines information from several sources such as an initial hazid, a thorough review of historic LNG accidents, review of previous studies, published damage statistics and expert judgement, and develops modular risk models for critical accident scenarios. In accordance with these risk models, available information from different sources has been structured in the form of event trees for different generic accident categories. In this way, high-risk areas pertaining to LNG shipping operations have been identified. The major contributions to the risk associated with LNG shipping are found to stem from five generic accident categories, i.e. collision, grounding, contact, fire and explosion, and events occurring while loading or unloading LNG at the terminal. Of these, collision risk was found to be the highest. According to the risk analysis presented in this paper, both the individual and the societal risk level associated with LNG carrier operations lie within the As Low As Reasonable Practicable (ALARP) area, meaning that further risk reduction should be required only if available cost-effective risk control options could be identified. This paper also includes a critical review of the various components of the risk models and hence identifies areas of improvements and suggests topics for further research.     

Modeling the release, spreading, and burning of LNG, LPG, and gasoline on water

Current interest in the shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) has renewed the debate about the safety of shipping large volumes of flammable fuels. The size of a spreading pool following a release of LNG from an LNG tank ship has been the subject of numerous papers and studies dating back to the mid-1970s. Several papers have presented idealized views of how the LNG would be released and spread across a quiescent water surface. There is a considerable amount of publicly available material describing these idealized releases, but little discussion of how other flammable fuels would behave if released from similar sized ships. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the models currently available from the United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) can be used to simulate the release, spreading, vaporization, and pool fire impacts for materials other than LNG, and if so, identify which material-specific parameters are required.

The review of the basic equations and principles in FERC's LNG release, spreading, and burning models did not reveal a critical fault that would prevent their use in evaluating the consequences of other flammable fluid releases. With the correct physical data, the models can be used with the same level of confidence for materials such as LPG and gasoline as they are for LNG.     

Analysis of Turbulent Flow Speed Profiles in Pressure Pipes Using the Dissimilar Similitude Technique Applied to an Electrolytic Tank: Implementation and Experimental Characterization

In this paper, the analysis of speed profiles in pressure pipes, which is a fluodynamic problem that is still a matter of discussion, particularly for variable flow conditions, is presented. Even if the increasing performance of PCs allows the successful adoption of numerical techniques in the simulation of practically all systems, the actually available mathematical models can supply only approximate solutions in simulating the interaction of a real viscous fluid with a surface during a turbulent flow regime. To solve this problem, a theoretically more accurate method based on dissimilar similitude has been investigated, because of its cost-effective advantage over any other comparable experimental method. More specifically, the fluodynamic analysis was carried out by applying the analogies between the fluid speed profiles in a pressure pipe and the voltage profiles on an electrolytic tank. In the paper, the theoretical backgrounds regarding the idea are reviewed, and an experimental system based on an electrolytic tank is proposed. Furthermore, the performance of the implemented system, which has been evaluated by an experimental characterization, is discussed.      

BLEVE prevention using vent devices

The main features of accidents involving BLEVEs (boiling liquid expanding vapour explosions) occurring in fires are analysed. Simple mathematical models describing liquid or vapour discharge through the perforation of vessels by superheated liquids and liquid behaviour in a vessel heated by fire are formulated. These models are verified on the basis of experimental data available in the literature. An analysis of the well known accident at Alma-Ata in 1989 is presented. This accident involved the BLEVE of a railway tank engulfed by fire, with the resulting formation of a fireball. It is shown that this accident could have been prevented by means of a vent device (safety valve or breaking diaphrgm) with cross-sectional area greater than 77 cm² and operational pressure below 1.6 MPa. The use of such vent devices could prevent the occurrence of BLEVEs when tanks containing superheated liquids or liquefied gases are subjected to thermal loading from fires.     

Dynamic event trees in accident sequence analysis: application to steam generator tube rupture

A dynamic event tree method for analyzing the risk associated with dynamic nuclear power plant accident sequences is presented. The method provides a framework for treating stochastic variations in operating crew states (defined by substrates characterizing the accident diagnosis, the planned actions, and the crew quality) as well as stochastic variations in hardware states. Plant process variables are treated deterministically; they are used when determining the likelihood of stochastic branchings. The method is used in an analysis of a steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) accident; it is shown that a number of important operator behavior patterns can be reasonably represented, and that, comparing with conventional event trees, sources of dependencies between failure events can be better defined.