Сравнительный анализ методик определения максимальных размеров взрывоопасных зон

Abstract

PURPOSE. Existing regulatory methods for determining the maximum dimensions of explosive zones when flammable gases leak from process equipment do not fully reflect the physical picture of the accident. The purpose of the work in question is to compare existing methods for determining the maximum dimensions of explosive zones. To achieve the goal, the following tasks were solved: an analysis of existing methods for determining the maximum dimensions of explosive zones was carried out; an emergency situation associated with propane leak into open space was simulated in the PyroSim software package. The object of the study is the leakage of flammable gases from process equipment during accidents. The subject of the study is to determine maximum dimensions of explosive zones in case of flammable gases leakage from process equipment during accidents. METHODS. To evaluate existing methods for determining the maximum dimensions of explosive zones, regulatory documents were analyzed. To simulate an emergency situation associated with a propane leak into open space, PyroSim software package was used. FINDINGS. The given study examines accidents related to flammable gases emission into open space. The analysis of emergency situations at the facilities related to the circulation of flammable gases showed that when process equipment depressurizes, in most cases, gas leaks into the environment rather than instantaneously releases. RESEARCH APPLICATION FIELD. The outcomes of the study can be used to improve the methodology for determining maximum dimensions of explosive zones as a result of an emergency situation related to flammable gases emission into open space. CONCLUSIONS. When comparing the calculations outcomes to determine geometric dimensions (radius and height) of an explosive zone using methods from the regulatory documents, it was found out that the values of geometric dimensions of a gas cloud have a significant discrepancy, and the results according to these methods are correct to be used for an instantaneous gas release, and not for gas leakage from process equipment. Numerical modeling will make it possible to determine maximum dimensions of explosive zones of flammable gases in open space during leakage from process equipment more accurately, taking into account physic-chemical properties of flammable gas and environmental parameters.