Methods of Predicting Vapor Cloud Explosions in Enclosed Spaces

Abstract

For the example of 80 organic solvents, the method developed by the All-Russian Research Institute for Fire Protection (ARRIFP) and the Baker–Strehlow–Tang (BST) method for the prediction of vapor-cloud explosions (VCE) in enclosed spaces are compared, in terms of the specific safe volume of a building. A correlation is found between the results given by these methods. On introducing an energy correction (the ratio of the calorific value of the solvent to that of methane) and a correction factor of 1/4.47, the BST method (in the 2.5D configuration with low congestion) may be used to categorize production buildings in terms of explosion and fire safety.