Uncertainties in calculating the parameters of a gas-air cloud explosion during an emergency release of liquefied natural gas in open space

Abstract

Purpose. Increasing production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the Russian Federation raise the risk of the accidental LNG releases. To prevent the negative consequences of a possible gas-air cloud explosion during LNG release, it is necessary to predict probable emergency scenarios. Regulatory documents for determining fire risk make it possible to define the likely consequences of an explosion of liquefied hydrocarbon gases (LPG) vapor clouds, however the application of calculation methods for LNG requires additional analysis. Methods. The analysis of methods for calculating the parameters of a gas-air cloud explosion in an open space is carried out, the consequences of real gas-air clouds explosions during the emergency LNG release are analyzed. Findings. The analysis of the methods has showed the main uncertainties in predicting the parameters of LNG vapor cloud explosion. Propagation features of LNG vapor cloud, the influence of various gases that are part of LNG are not taken into account. Research application field. The results obtained will allow improving the method for calculating the pressure of the gas-air clouds explosion during the emergency LNG release. Conclusions. The analysis of the real accident with LNG release has showed that the calculated pressures obtained on the basis of the methods are incomparable with the explosion consequences. The further direction for improving the methodology of calculating the explosion pressure of gas-air clouds during the emergency LNG release is determined. To improve the methodology it is necessary to determine the effect of combustible gases, which are part of LNG, on the parameters of the explosion, and also take into account the effect of low temperatures of LNG vapor cloud.