FEM3A simulations of selected LNG vapor barrier verification field tests
In order to evaluate and eventually predict the possible mitigating effects of vapor fences on the dispersion of the vapor cloud resulting from an accidental liquefied natural gas (LNG) spill in storage areas, a research program was initiated to evaluate methods for predicting LNG dispersion distances for realistic facility configurations. As part of the program, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) conducted a series of large-scale field experiments called the LNG Vapor Barrier Verification Field Trials (also referred to as the Falcon Series) at the Liquefied Gaseous Fuels Spill Test Facility (LGFSTF), Nevada. Objectives were (1) to provide a data base on LNG vapor dispersion from spill involving complex field obstacles to assist in validation of wind tunnel and mathematical models, and (2) to assess the effectiveness of vapor fences for mitigating LNG vapor dispersion hazards in the events of an accidental spill. Five spill experiments were conducted on water in order to generate vapor at rates equivalent to the liquid spill rates. In this study, the FEM3A model was applied to simulate four of the Falcon experiments. The objectives of this study were, through numerical modeling and a detailed model-data comparison: (1) to improve our understanding of LNG vapor dispersion involving vapor barriers, (2) to assess FEM3A in modeling such complex vapor dispersion scenarios, and (3) to complement the results of field and wind tunnel tests, such as providing plausible explanations for unexpected results and filling in data gaps due to instrument failure or limited array size. Toward these goals, the relevant field measurements were analyzed and several series of 2-D and 3-D simulations were carried out. 11 refs., 93 figs., 11 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- GRI
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 6346234
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-CR-105184; GRI-90/0189; ON: DE91004201
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS//MATHEMATICS, COMPUTING, AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
GAS SPILLS
CONTAINMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
HEAT TRANSFER
LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PREDICTION EQUATIONS
PROGRESS REPORT
SIMULATION
TURBULENCE
VAPORS
VELOCITY
WIND TUNNELS
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY TRANSFER
EQUATIONS
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
LIQUEFIED GASES
MASS TRANSFER
NATURAL GAS
TUNNELS
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
030800* - Natural Gas- Environmental Aspects
990200 - Mathematics & Computers