Using graph theory to analyze the vulnerability of process plants in the context of cascading effects

Domino effects are low-probability high-consequence accidents causing severe damage to humans, process plants, and the environment. Because domino effects affect large areas and are difficult to control, preventive safety measures have been given priority over mitigative measures. As a result, safety distances and safety inventories have been used as preventive safety measures to reduce the escalation probability of domino effects. However, these safety measures are usually designed considering static accident scenarios. In this study, we show that compared to a static worst-case accident analysis, a dynamic consequence analysis provides a more rational approach for risk assessment and management of domino effects. This study also presents the application of Bayesian networks and conflict analysis to risk-based allocation of chemical inventories to minimize the consequences and thus to reduce the escalation probability. It emphasizes the risk management of chemical inventories as an inherent safety measure, particularly in existing process plants where the applicability of other safety measures such as safety distances is limited.

Risk Management of Domino Effects Considering Dynamic Consequence Analysis

Consequence analysis of large-scale pool fire in oil storage terminal based on computational fluid dynamic (CFD)

Accident scenarios triggered by lightning strike on atmospheric storage tanks

Thermal performance-based analysis of minimum safe distances between fuel storage tanks exposed to fire

The present paper deals with the location of tanks in a tank farm, in chemical and allied industries. Ideally the tanks are so placed and installed that in case of fire, the neighbouring tanks could remain safe. The safe distance of separation among the tanks is calculated in no wind condition, as well as, in the presence of wind. The paper uses the methods available in literature and modifies the point source model to include the effect of wind vector on the flame height during the calculation of safe inter-tank distance. It is found that for wind velocity > 4 m/s, the modified point source model provides appropriate inter-tank distance. However, for no wind and with wind velocity

A.K. Gupta

Papers

Engineering layout of fuel tanks in a tank farm