Modelling of Bleve Fireball and its Impact Assessment of Thermal Radiation Hazard in an Oil & Gas Industry

Abstract

The oil and gas industry, a linchpin of the global energy sector, faces significant safety challenges due to the handling and storage of flammable substances. Among the most perilous events within this industry is the Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE), characterized by the rapid release of pressurized flammable materials, resulting in a fiery and potentially catastrophic explosion. This study delves into the modelling of BLEVE fireballs and the assessment of their thermal radiation hazard within the context of the oil and gas sector. The research comprehensively explores the intricate elements of BLEVE events, encompassing the fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, ignition mechanisms, and dispersion of vapor clouds. Accurate modelling is essential to simulate these events, considering factors such as the initial release rate of the fuel, vapor cloud dispersion, and the ignition source. Furthermore, the study scrutinizes the thermal radiation hazard emanating from BLEVE fireballs, quantifying heat flux, radiant energy exposure, and assessing potential impacts on humans, structures, and the environment. In doing so, it facilitates a deeper understanding of the potential consequences of BLEVE incidents and aids in the development of effective safety measures and emergency response plans. Regulatory compliance, safety systems, emergency response procedures, and asset protection strategies within the oil and gas industry are also evaluated to ensure the responsible management of BLEVE risks. The study, grounded in real-world data and best practices, strives to mitigate the hazards posed by BLEVE incidents, safeguard lives, assets, and the environment, and facilitate the industry\'s ongoing commitment to safety and sustainability. In a rapidly changing energy landscape, this research provides critical insights into managing the inherent risks while promoting the secure and efficient operation of the oil and gas sector.

Introduction

The project aims to develop a comprehensive model to simulate BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) fireballs and assess the thermal radiation hazards associated with such incidents in the oil and gas industry. The model will integrate factors such as:

• Container geometry

• Properties of flammable liquids

• Environmental conditions

Background & Importance:

• Since the industrial revolution, increased use of flammable materials in chemical, petrochemical, and oil & gas sectors has heightened the risk of accidents like fires, explosions, and toxic releases.

• Among these, BLEVE is a particularly catastrophic event involving the rupture of pressurized vessels containing flammable substances, resulting in a fireball and severe thermal radiation.

• Understanding BLEVE is crucial for risk mitigation, infrastructure design, and emergency response planning.

Project Objectives:

1. Identify potential BLEVE hazards.

2. Assess BLEVE risks to people, infrastructure, and the environment.

3. Inform safety design and mitigation strategies (e.g., pressure relief systems).

4. Develop effective emergency response and evacuation plans.

5. Prevent accidents and minimize human, environmental, and economic losses.

Scope of the Project:

• Detailed study of BLEVE events and thermal radiation hazard modeling.

• Application of advanced simulation tools to create predictive and preventative safety frameworks.

• Focused primarily on oil & gas, but with implications for other high-risk industries.

Industries Where BLEVE Modelling is Critical (India-focused):

1. Oil & Gas

2. Chemical Industry

3. LPG Storage and Distribution

4. Petroleum Refineries

5. Pharmaceutical Industry

6. Petrochemical Sector

7. Power Plants

8. Manufacturing & Warehousing

9. LNG Terminals

10. Ammunition/Explosives

11. Agriculture & Fertilizers

12. Aviation Fuel Storage

13. Petrochemical Tank Farms

14. Bulk Chemical Handling

15. Transportation & Logistics

Research Methodology:

• Review of existing literature.

• Use of real-world data, simulations, and experiments to develop and validate the BLEVE model.

• Tools like FDS, ALOHA, and EFFECTS used for simulations.

Key Literature Insights:

• Recent studies (2020–2023) explore BLEVE behavior with various fuels (LPG, hydrogen, CO?).

• Use of CFD models, parametric algorithms, and numerical simulations to predict BLEVE consequences (thermal radiation, overpressure, debris spread).

• Development of engineering correlations and risk thresholds for emergency planning.

• Studies validate simulation tools against real-world accidents (e.g., Wenling LPG incident in China).

Conclusion

The modelling of a BLEVE fireball and the assessment of its thermal radiation hazard within an oil and gas industry setting are critical steps toward enhancing safety protocols and minimizing risks associated with such catastrophic events. Through the comprehensive review of literature and the utilization of advanced modelling techniques, several key conclusions can be drawn:5 1) Understanding the BLEVE Phenomenon. 2) Importance of accurate modelling. 3) Identification of hazard zones. 4) Risk management strategies. 5) Continued research and development. The project underscores the importance of proactive measures in mitigating the risks associated with BLEVE incidents in the oil and gas industry. By leveraging advanced modelling techniques and adopting a comprehensive risk management approach, stakeholders can work towards ensuring the safety and well-being of personnel and safeguarding critical infrastructure against the potentially devasting efforts of such events.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Anuj Kumar, Dr. Sandeep Yadav. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.