A multivariable approach for estimation of vapor cloud explosion frequencies for independent congested spaces to be used in occupied building risk assessment

Abstract

API Recommended Practice 752 is one of the most referenced practices for evaluating vapor cloud explosion (VCE) impacts to site occupied buildings. This reference introduces generic VCE frequencies for different types of process units that are based on VCE incidents database. Although these reported VCE frequencies are not capable of illustrating all parameters that affect explosion likelihood, they are widely used in risk analysis studies and software packages. This paper delineates the structure of a more realistic method for estimation of local VCE frequencies for independent congested spaces or units as a function of process, site, and meteorological variables. Compared to traditional methods for VCE frequency estimation, the new proposed approach is supported by an obviously more populated and precisely categorized database of leakage frequencies and features a multi-variable functionality of process/plant conditions. Contrary to previous procedures that aimed at finding the frequency of occurrence for a single VCE incident, this proposed methodology characterizes each congested space with a local VCE frequency. This frequency is an integration of the frequencies pertaining to VCE's that are likely to be initiated by each congested space. This new VCE frequency can also be used to determine the level of explosion hazard in each unit and in risk matrix analysis.