A Study for Comparison of Consequence Analysis for Buried Pipeline Considering the Depth Factor

Abstract

-Buried pipe system is subject to leak or rupture due to internal and external defects with age. Especially, if the pipeline is designed for pressurized gas, the leak can wreak a devastating on its surrounding area. The current method of setting up underground gas pipeline is based on OGP criteria of applying one tenth of the inner pipe pressure. The criteria is applied irrespective of their burial depth or pipe's properties. At times, even the whole safety measures are totally ignored. Considering the magnitude of possible damage from a gas leakage, a precise analytical tool for the risk assessment is urgently needed. The study was conducted to assess possible scenarios of gas accidents and to develop a computer model to minimize the damage. The data from ETA was analyzed intensively, and the model was developed. The model is capable of predicting jet fire influence area with comprehensive input parameters, such as burial depth. The model was calibrated and verified by the historic accident data from Edison Township, New Jersey, the United States. The statistical model was also developed to compare the results of the model in this study and the existing OGP model. They were in good agreement with respect to damage predictions, such as radiation heat coming from 10 meters away from the heat source of gas flame.