Model simulates pipeline, tank-storage failures

Journal Article · Mon Sep 12 00:00:00 EDT 1983 · Oil Gas J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6819773

Drivas, P J; Sabnis, J S; Teuscher, L H

There is an important need for accurate mathematical models to predict the source rates and resulting safety impacts of accidental releases of materials from gas or liquid pipelines and from cryogenic storage tanks. Two major types of hazards can develop after a structural failure of a pipeline or hydrocarbon storage tank: a combustion hazard or a toxic chemical hazard. Both of these types of hazards can affect the safety of personnel in the vicinity of the structural failure. A flammable vapor cloud can form after a pipeline or tank fracture and, if an ignition source is present, the cloud can detonate, or explode. In the case of a crude oil or gas-pipeline failure, a toxic cloud may also develop due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H/sub 2/S). Even in low concentrations, inhalation of H/sub 2/S may cause physical impairment or death. The existence of these two potential hazards--a flammability hazard or a toxic chemical hazard--prompts the need to conduct safety analysis studies of facilities and transport systems that carry pressurized fluids and gases. However, the simulation modeling of the flammability or toxicity concentration limits due to the structural failure of a pipeline or storage tank is quite difficult. Complicating factors include the two-phase (gas and liquid) flow caused by a pressurized liquid pipeline break, and the gravitational settling of a cold, dense gas if a cryogenic liquid such as liquified natural gas (LNG) is spilled.

• Research Organization: Scientific Research Associates Glastonbury, CT
• OSTI ID: 6819773
• Journal Information: Oil Gas J.; (United States), Vol. 81:37
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
NATURAL GAS
STORAGE
TRANSPORT
PETROLEUM
PIPELINES
FAILURE MODE ANALYSIS
TANKS
CRYOGENICS
DENSITY
FLAMMABILITY
GRAVITATION
HAZARDS
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROGEN SULFIDES
LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
PRESSURIZING
QUANTITY RATIO
TOXICITY
TWO-PHASE FLOW
VAPORS
CHALCOGENIDES
COMBUSTION PROPERTIES
CONTAINERS
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUID FLOW
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LIQUEFIED GASES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SAFETY
SULFIDES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SYSTEM FAILURE ANALYSIS
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
020600* - Petroleum- Health & Safety
024000 - Petroleum- Storage- (-1989)
030500 - Natural Gas- Health & Safety
035000 - Natural Gas- Storage- (1989-)