Prediction of fireball consequences caused by Boilover occurrence in the atmospheric storage tanks

Abstract

Background and Objective: Although Boilover occurs with a low frequency; however, in case of occurrence, it can cause severe damage to people and equipment around the tank. The prediction of the consequences followed by a fireball of the Boilover phenomenon has an important role in adopting appropriate strategies for fire suppression of the atmospheric storage tank. This study aimed to predict the consequences after fireball caused by the Boilover phenomenon using empirical models. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted based on a descriptive-analytical design. Initially, empirical models presented for the prediction of the Boilover consequences were identified in this study. Subsequently, the models were utilized to predict the fireball geometry and its radiation heat flux around the tank. Eventually, the results obtained from the predictions were compared with the data of a small-scale experimental study and a large-scale real Boilover accident. Results: According to the results, the errors obtained from INERIS and Buang model to predict the radiation heat flux around the experimental Boilover were 23% and 31%, respectively. Moreover, the errors of these two prediction models were 52% and 71% for a real accident, respectively. Conclusion: The INERIS and Buang models showed lower rates of errors for the prediction of the Boilover fireball consequences, compared to other models. The results of this study can be used to assess the risk of Boilover in atmospheric storage tanks. Moreover, they help accident decision-makers decide on strategies and tactics for the fire suppression of atmospheric storage tanks.

Keywords

• atmospheric storage tank
• boilover
• consequence
• empirical models