Journal of the Korean Society of Safety (한국안전학회지)

The Korean Society of Safety (한국안전학회)
권호 표지
DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Development of a Tool for Predicting the Occurrence Time of BLEVE in Small LPG Storage Tanks

LPG소형저장탱크 BLEVE 발생 시점 예측 툴 개발

  • Received : 2020.06.24
  • Accepted : 2020.08.06
  • Published : 2020.08.31
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

In Korea, about 110,000 LPG small storage tanks of less than three tons have been installed in restaurants, houses and factories, and are used as LPG supply facilities for cooking, heating and industrial use. In the case of combustible liquefied gas storage tanks, the tank may rupture due to the temperature increase of the tank steel plate (approximately 600℃) even when the safety valve is operating normally, causing large-scale damage in an instant. Therefore, in the event of a fire near the LPG small storage tank, it is necessary to accurately predict the timing of the BLEVE(Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion) outbreak in order to secure golden time for lifesaving and safely carry out fire extinguishing activities. In this study, we have first investigated the results of a prior study on the prediction of the occurrence of BLEVE in the horizontal tanks. And we have developed thermodynamic models and simulation program on the prediction of BLEVE that can be applied to vertical tanks used in Korea, have studied the effects of the safety valve's ability to vent, heat flux strength of external fires, size of tanks, and gas remaining in tanks on the time of BLEVE occurrence and have suggested future utilization measures.

Keywords

References

  1. Korea Gas Safety Corporation, "Gas Statistics", 2010-2018.
  2. T. B. Kim, K. L. Lee, J. H. Lee, S. H. Jung and K. M. Lee, "Analysis of LPG Facility Siting Considering BLEVE", J. Korean Soc. Saf., Vol. 31, No. 2, pp. 26-32, 2016. https://doi.org/10.14346/JKOSOS.2016.31.2.26
  3. K. Moodie, "Experiments and Modeling:- An Overview with Particular Reference to Fire Engulfment", Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol. 20, pp. 149-175, 1988. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-3894(88)87011-0
  4. F. Heymes, L. Aprin, A. M. Birk, P. Slangen, J. B. Jarry, H. Francois and G. Dusserre, "An Experimental Study of an LPG Tank at Low Filling Level Heated by a Remote Wall Fire", Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, Vol. 26, Issue 6, pp. 1484-1491, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlp.2013.09.015
  5. Y. Cengel and A. Ghajar, "Heat and Mass Transfer: Fundamentals and Applications", 6th Edition, p. 820, 2014.
  6. S. R. Runnels, "Users Manual For AFFTAC 4.00", p. 25, 29, 40, 45, 2016.
  7. P. K. Raj, "Exposure of a Liquefied Gas Container to an External Fire", Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol. 122, Issues 1-2, pp. 37-49, 2005. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2005.04.004
  8. A. M. Birk, "Review of AFFTAC Thermal Model", p. 25, 29, 2000.
  9. KGS FU432, "Facility/Technical/Inspection Code for Facilities Using LP Gas in Small Storage Tanks", pp. 61.
  10. P. K. Ramskill, "A Description of the "Engulf" Computer Codes - Codes to Model the Thermal Response of an LPG Tank Either Fully or Partially Engulfed by Fire", Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol. 20, pp. 177-196, 1988. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-3894(88)87012-2
  11. A. M. Birk, "Modelling the Response of Tankers Exposed to External Fire Impingement", Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol. 20 pp. 197-225, 1988. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-3894(88)87013-4
  12. D. Dancer and D. W. Sallet, "Pressure and Temperature Response of Liquefied Gases in Containers and Pressure Vessels Which are Subjected to Accidental Heat Input", Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol. 25, Issues 1-2, pp. 3-18, 1990. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-3894(90)85066-C
  13. N. U. Aydemir et al., "Thermal Response Analysis of Lpg Tanks Exposed to Fire", Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol. 20, pp. 239-262, 1988. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-3894(88)87015-8
  14. G. V. Hadjisophocleous, A. C. M. Sousa and J. E. S. Venart, "A Study of the Effect of the Tank Diameter on the Thermal Stratification in Lpg Tanks Subjected to Fire Engulfment", Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol. 25, Issues 1-2, pp. 19-31, 1990. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-3894(90)85067-D
  15. M. R. Johnson, "Tank Car Thermal Analysis, Volume II, Technical Documentation Report for Analysis Program", pp. 22, 1998.
  16. J. P. Yim, B. C. Ma amd C. B. Chung, "A Study on the Safety of Small LPG Storage Tanks at External Fires", J. Korean Soc. Saf., Vol. 30, No. 4, pp. 64-72. 2016. https://doi.org/10.14346/JKOSOS.2015.30.4.64
  17. J. CASAL et al., "Modelling and Understanding BLEVEs", Handbook of Hazardous Spills, McGraw Hill, New York, p. 22.6, 2001.
  18. S. Mannan, "Lee's Loss Prevention in the Process Industries", Hazard Identification, Assessment and Control, Vol. 1, p. 17, 172, 2012.