Consequences analysis of the LPG tank truck traffic accident: A case study of the Wenling explosion accident

Abstract

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a vital energy source as well as a chemical feedstock, known for its flammable and explosive property. The demand for LPG has increased in recent years, leading to the frequent occurrence of leaks and explosion accidents, which pose a serious threat to public safety. This paper investigates the process of the consequences evolution of leakage of LPG and explosion accidents, using the Wenling, Zhejiang, China, LPG tanker explosion accident as an example. The main explosive processes that occurred after the leak, i.e., Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE) and Vapor Cloud Explosion (VCE), were reconstructed through the collection and organization of data from the incident. The EFFECTS software was used for the simulation of container rupture, vapor dispersion and explosion pressure. The simulation results were consistent with the actual on-site effects. Multi-energy TNO method was used to measure the impact of VCE on overpressure hazards. This resulted in a blast energy of 3.1 × 105 MJ and a staff wound radius of 324 m. Based on the site's terrain and traffic route layout, measures were proposed to install protective walls around the turnaround area. Effective measures were taken to reduce the range and intensity of the explosion and thus to mitigate the consequences of the accident. This measure reduced the damage radius of the accident by 25.6%. This work will serve as a reference for investigation, analysis, scenario development and recommendations to prevent accidents.