Simulation of LNG tank container leakage and dispersion on anchoring inland carrying vessel

Abstract

Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) is becoming an important energy source as clean energy. In cities with inland waterways, LNG tank containers transported by inland vessels will be the primary mode of transportation. However, the night sailing of LNG carriers is typically prohibited considering the safety of the vessels and surroundings. Inland LNG tank container carriers have to wait at specific anchorages during the prohibition period and complete the full voyage in segments. During the anchoring phase, the vessels pose significant risks with LNG leakage and dispersion as the primary ones. In this study, taking the anchoring LNG tank container carrier in the Yangtze River in China as a case study, a comparative simulation study is performed using the computational fluid dynamics model to investigate the influencing risk factors. The leakage and dispersion of LNG under extremely unfavorable conditions are also analyzed to calculate the safety area and provide the corresponding safety management suggestions. The comparative analysis results indicate that the leakage aperture is the primary influential factor, followed by wind speed and temperature. The simulations under extremely unfavorable conditions reveal a maximum dispersion range of 190 m and a safety zone radius of 310 m. These results provide important technical guidance and reference values for the case of leakage and dispersion on inland waterways.