Abstract
Transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by ship occurs globally on a massive scale. The large temperature difference between LNG and water means LNG will boil violently if spilled onto water. This may cause a physical explosion known as rapid phase transition (RPT). Since RPT results from a complex interplay between physical phenomena on several scales, the risk of its occurrence is difficult to estimate. In this work, we present a combined fluid-dynamic and thermodynamic model to predict the onset of delayed RPT. On the basis of the full coupled model, we derive analytical solutions for the location and time of delayed RPT in an axisymmetric steady-state spill of LNG onto water. These equations are shown to be accurate when compared to simulation results for a range of relevant parameters. The relative discrepancy between the analytic solutions and predictions from the full coupled model is within 2% for the RPT position and within 8% for the time of RPT. This provides a simple procedure to quantify the risk of occurrence for delayed RPT for LNG on water. Due to its modular formulation, the full coupled model can straightforwardly be extended to study RPT in other systems.
Highlights
Natural gas is a common fossil fuel used for heating, cooking, pro pulsion and electricity-generation across the globe
In Section 3., we present an analysis of a continuous tank spill and derive simple, predictive models for the po sition and time of delayed rapid phase transition (RPT) for this particular case
We present a model to predict the flow of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in a spill event following a containment breach
Summary
Natural gas is a common fossil fuel used for heating, cooking, pro pulsion and electricity-generation across the globe. There is an increasing focus on hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, and liquid hydrogen at about − 250∘C has been described as a promising mode for large-scale transport (Wilhelmsen et al, 2018) This merits further development of models and theoretical predictions for the occurrence of RPT in cryogenic fluids. A complete model for studying delayed RPT must include pool formation and spreading, heat transfer between the water and the LNG, and evaporation of LNG. In Section 3., we present an analysis of a continuous tank spill and derive simple, predictive models for the po sition and time of delayed RPT for this particular case.
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