The Baker-Strehlow-Tang vapor cloud explosion (VCE) blast load prediction methodology uses flame speed as a measure of explosion severity. In previous publications, guidance has been presented for selecting flame speeds as a function of congestion, confinement, and fuel reactivity. These recommended values were based on empirical data available from the literature. Over the last 5 years, a series of medium-scale VCE tests have been conducted through a joint industry program to better understand vapor cloud explosions and to allow a more accurate definition of the flame speed applicable to a given combination of congestion, confinement, and fuel reactivity. These tests have demonstrated that the previously published flame speeds are not conservative for all configurations for the case of no confinement (3-D flame expansion). This paper provides an overview of the tests along with an update to the flame speed table where the previously published guidance was not conservative.
Fire and explosion hazards in ammonia plants include releases of flammable materials. The distinction between fire and explosion scenarios is often whether the fuel ignites promptly upon release or has delayed ignition. Prompt ignition prevents formation of a flammable vapor cloud and, thereby, averts a VCE. Syngas contains a significant amount of hydrogen, a fuel that is easily ignited. Industry experience with accidental releases of syngas has been that it promptly ignites. Literature was reviewed for test and accident data for syngas and hydrogen to estimate the probability of prompt versus delayed ignition. No instances of syngas VCEs were found in literature; however, numerous test and accidents were reported for hydrogen. The probability of delayed ignition varied with the release conditions. A conservative estimate of the probability of delayed ignition was developed. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2010
The most widely used definition of energy for predicting bursting vessels is Brode energy. There are, however, limitations to the application of this definition to many real-world problems due to the assumptions upon which it is based. This paper presents an evaluation of the applicability of the Brode equation, its common interpretation and limitations, and an evaluation of alternative definitions of energy for bursting vessel and Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE) prediction. An illustrative example of the recommended approach is provided.
This paper presents the results of the first full test series of commercial pressure relief valves using the newly constructed Queen’s University/Transport Canada dynamic valve test facility (VTF) in Maitland, Ontario. This facility is unique among those reported in the literature in its ability to cycle the valves repeatedly and to measure the time-varying flow rates during operation. This dynamic testing provides much more insight into valve behavior than the single-pop or continuous flow tests commonly reported. The facility is additionally unique in its simulation of accident conditions as a means of measuring valve performance. Specimen valves for this series represent 20 each of three manufacturers’ design for a semi-internal 1-in. 312 psi LPG relief valve. The purpose of this paper is to present the procedure and results of these tests. No effort is made to perform in-depth analysis into the causes of the various behaviors, nor is any assessment made of the risk presented by any of the valves. [S0094-9930(00)01201-4]
a fatal incident occurred in a cryogenic gas processing plant. The investigation of the incident indicated a number of potential issues that may have contributed to or caused the event. These issues include hot work procedures, electrostatic discharge, electrical conduit sealing, convective "breathing" due to multiple vents, equipment age, maintenance, and worker training. The investigation concluded that the fuel for this event was provided by small leaks from the product pipes inside of the cold box; the oxygen was provided by convective "breathing" that occurred due to the presence of two vents from the cold box and the erosion of the flapper valves that were intended to seal these vents; and ignition occurred due to stray currents that resulted from poor hot work procedures, and locating the return lead far from the work location. This article provides an overview of the process and facility, a timeline of events, a summary of the investigative process, and a discussion of the lessons learned from this event.
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