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Lessons learned from LNG safety research.

Ronald P Koopman1, Donald L Ermak

  • 1Hazard Analysis Consulting, 4673 Almond Circle, Livermore, CA 94550, United States. rpkoopman@comcast.net

Journal of Hazardous Materials
|November 28, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Large liquefied natural gas (LNG) spills are dominated by cold, dense gas effects, particularly in low wind. Accurate computer models require detailed validation of these phenomena for predicting spill consequences.

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Area of Science:

  • Chemical Engineering
  • Atmospheric Science
  • Safety Engineering

Background:

  • The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) conducted a 12-year program (1977-1989) on liquefied gaseous fuels spill effects.
  • Sponsorship included the US Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, and Gas Research Institute.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate predictive tools for large liquefied gas spills.
  • To provide an overview of the program, lessons learned, and future recommendations.

Main Methods:

  • Execution of large-scale field experiments.
  • Development of computer models for spill prediction.
  • Three series of experiments focused on cloud formation, dispersion, combustion, and rapid phase transition (RPT) explosions.

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Main Results:

  • Cold, dense gas phenomena significantly influence LNG dispersion, especially under low wind and stable conditions.
  • LNG vapor clouds are wider, lower, follow terrain, and can form bifurcated structures.
  • Measured heat flux from LNG burns exceeded third-degree burn thresholds and ignited flammable materials.
  • Rapid Phase Transitions (RPTs) doubled burn area and extended downwind burn distance by 65%.

Conclusions:

  • Detailed, validated models of cold, dense gas phenomena are crucial for accurate LNG spill consequence prediction.
  • Navier-Stokes models offer comprehensive dispersion descriptions; parameterized Lagrangian models suit emergency response.
  • Further large-scale experiments and model development are recommended.