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http://dx.doi.org/10.9713/kcer.2018.56.6.811

Investigation of the LPG Gas Explosion of a Welding And Cutting Torch at a Construction Site  

Lee, Su-kyung (Department of Safety Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology)
Lee, Jung-hoon (Department of Safety Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology)
Song, Dong-woo (Department of Safety Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology)
Publication Information
Korean Chemical Engineering Research / v.56, no.6, 2018 , pp. 811-818 More about this Journal
Abstract
A fire and explosion accident caused by a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) welding and cutting torch gas leak occurred 10 m underground at the site of reinforcement work for bridge columns, killing four people and seriously injuring ten. We conducted a comprehensive investigation into the accident to identify the fundamental causes of the explosion by analyzing the structure of the construction site and the properties of propane, which was the main component of LPG welding and cutting work used at the site. The range between the lower and upper explosion limits of leaking LPG for welding and cutting work was examined using Le Chatelier's formula; the behavior of LPG concentration change, which included dispersion and concentration change, was analyzed using the fire dynamic simulator (FDS). We concluded that the primary cause of the accident was combustible LPG that leaked from a welding and cutting torch and formed a explosion range between the lower and upper limits. When the LPG contacted the flame of the welding and cutting torch, LPG explosion occurred. The LPG explosion power calculation was verified by the blast effect computation program developed by the Department of Defense Explosive Safety Board (DDESB). According to the fire simulation results, we concluded that the welding and cutting torch LPG leak caused the gas explosion. This study is useful for safety management to prevent accidents caused by LPG welding and cutting work at construction sites.
Keywords
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); Trinitrotoluene (TNT); Fire dynamic simulators (FDS); Le Chatelier's formula; Welding and cutting;
Citations & Related Records
Times Cited By KSCI : 1  (Citation Analysis)
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