Idar E. Storvik

Bio: Idar E. Storvik is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Dust explosion & Deflagration. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 9 publications receiving 332 citations.

Validation of CFD-model for hydrogen dispersion

Abstract: To be able to perform proper consequence modelling as a part of a risk assessment, it is essential to be able to model the physical processes well. Simplified tools for dispersion and explosion predictions are generally not very useful. CFD tools have the potential to model the relevant physics and predict well, but without proper user guidelines based on extensive validation work, very mixed prediction capability can be expected. In this article, recent dispersion validation effort for the CFD tool FLACS–HYDROGEN is presented. A range of different experiments is simulated, including low-momentum releases in a garage, subsonic jets in a garage with stratification effects and subsequent slow diffusion, low momentum and subsonic horizontal jets influenced by buoyancy, and free jets from high-pressure vessels. LH2 releases are also considered. Some of the simulations are performed as blind predictions.

Simulation of dust explosions in complex geometries with experimental input from standardized tests

Abstract: The present paper describes the development of a new CFD-code (DESC) for the assessment of accidental hazards arising from dust explosions in complex geometries. The approach followed entails the estimation of the laminar burning velocity of dust clouds from standardized laboratory-scale tests, and its subsequent use as input to the combustion model incorporated in DESC. The methodology used to obtain the laminar burning velocities is demonstrated by igniting turbulent propane-air mixtures to deflagration in a standard 20-litre USBM-vessel, and extracting the laminar burning velocity from the pressure–time curves; the results are compared with literature data. Laminar burning velocities for clouds of maize starch dust in air were estimated following the same procedure, and the resulting empirical model was used to simulate dust explosions in a 236-m3 silo.

CO2pipehaz : quantitative hazard assessment for next generation CO2 pipelines

Abstract: This paper presents an overview of the recently commenced CO(2)PipeHaz project focused on the hazard assessment of CO2 pipelines to be employed as an integral part of the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) chain. Funded by the European Commission FP7 Energy programme, the project's objective is to address the fundamentally important and urgent issue regarding the accurate predictions of fluid phase, discharge rate and subsequent atmospheric dispersion during accidental releases from pressurised CO2 pipelines. This information is pivotal to quantifying all the hazard consequences associated with failure of CO2 transportation pipelines forming the basis for emergency response planning and determining minimum safe distances to populated areas. The developments of the state of the art multi-phase heterogeneous discharge and dispersion models for predicting the correct fluid phase during the discharge process will be given special consideration given the very different hazard profiles of CO2 in the gas and solid states. Model validations are based on both small scale controlled laboratory conditions as well as large scale field trials using a unique CCS facility in China, the world's largest CO2 emitter. A cost/benefit analysis will be performed to determine the optimum level of impurities in the captured CO2 stream based on safety and economic considerations. The project will embody the understanding gained within safety and risk assessment tools that can be used for evaluating the adequacy of controls in CO2 pipelines, with best practice guidelines also being developed.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS): the way forward

Abstract: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is broadly recognised as having the potential to play a key role in meeting climate change targets, delivering low carbon heat and power, decarbonising industry and, more recently, its ability to facilitate the net removal of CO2 from the atmosphere. However, despite this broad consensus and its technical maturity, CCS has not yet been deployed on a scale commensurate with the ambitions articulated a decade ago. Thus, in this paper we review the current state-of-the-art of CO2 capture, transport, utilisation and storage from a multi-scale perspective, moving from the global to molecular scales. In light of the COP21 commitments to limit warming to less than 2 °C, we extend the remit of this study to include the key negative emissions technologies (NETs) of bioenergy with CCS (BECCS), and direct air capture (DAC). Cognisant of the non-technical barriers to deploying CCS, we reflect on recent experience from the UK's CCS commercialisation programme and consider the commercial and political barriers to the large-scale deployment of CCS. In all areas, we focus on identifying and clearly articulating the key research challenges that could usefully be addressed in the coming decade.

Current status and expected future trends in dust explosion research

Abstract: In spite of extensive research and development for more than 100 years to prevent and mitigate dust explosions in the process industries, this hazard continues to threaten industries that manufacture, use and/or handle powders and dusts of combustible materials. Lack of methods for predicting real dust cloud structures and flame propagation processes has been a major obstacle to prediction of course and consequences of dust explosions in practice. However, work at developing comprehensive numerical simulation models for solving these problems is now on its way. This requires detailed experimental and theoretical studies of the physics and chemistry of dust cloud generation and combustion. The present paper discusses how this kind of work will promote the development of means for prevention and mitigation of dust explosions in practice. However, progress in other areas will also be discussed, e.g. ignition prevention. The importance of using inherently safe process design, building on knowledge in powder science and technology, and of systematic education/training of personnel, is also emphasized.

Validation of FLACS against experimental data sets from the model evaluation database for LNG vapor dispersion

Abstract: The siting of facilities handling liquefied natural gas (LNG), whether for liquefaction, storage or regasification purposes, requires the hazards from potential releases to be evaluated. One of the consequences of an LNG release is the creation of a flammable vapor cloud, that may be pushed beyond the facility boundaries by the wind and thus present a hazard to the public. Therefore, numerical models are required to determine the footprint that may be covered by a flammable vapor cloud as a result of an LNG release. Several new models have been used in recent years for this type of simulations. This prompted the development of the “ Model evaluation protocol for LNG vapor dispersion models ” (MEP): a procedure aimed at evaluating quantitatively the ability of a model to accurately predict the dispersion of an LNG vapor cloud. This paper summarizes the MEP requirements and presents the results obtained from the application of the MEP to a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model – FLACS. The entire set of 33 experiments included in the model validation database were simulated using FLACS. The simulation results are reported and compared with the experimental data. A set of statistical performance measures are calculated based on the FLACS simulation results and compared with the acceptability criteria established in the MEP. The results of the evaluation demonstrate that FLACS can be considered a suitable model to accurately simulate the dispersion of vapor from an LNG release.