Inherent Safety Design for LNG Terminals Through Risk Assessment

Abstract

Achieving carbon neutrality is a critical global objective, driving efforts to transition toward clean energy sources such as hydrogen. However, the full-scale adoption of a hydrogen economy remains constrained by technological and economic challenges. During this transitional period, the industrial demand for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), a relatively low-carbon fuel capable of co-firing with hydrogen, is expected to rise significantly. Consequently, research on the safety of LNG terminal plants, which handle large volumes of LNG, has become urgent. These plants operate with hazardous substances under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, making them prone to severe risks such as leaks or explosions. In particular, petrochemical facilities, characterized by complex processes and the storage of substantial quantities of hazardous chemicals, are susceptible to accidents that can result in significant human and property damage. It is, therefore, essential to predict and calculate the potential impact of accidents in advance and incorporate safety measures into the design phase to minimize damages. This study aimed to address these challenges by quantitatively assessing the risks associated with LNG terminals and proposing a framework for optimized safety design through isolable sections. A virtual LNG terminal model was divided into five isolable sections, and various accident scenarios were evaluated through CFD simulations. The findings highlighted the variability of explosion impacts across sections and underscored the importance of spatial configurations and operational conditions in determining safety outcomes. By recommending the optimization of protection performance through section isolation, this study provides valuable insights for enhancing the safety and resilience of LNG facilities. These results contribute to establishing more effective safety designs from the initial plant development stage, thereby minimizing accident impacts and supporting the sustainable transition to cleaner energy systems.