Numerical simulation of LNG release and dispersion using a multiphase CFD model

Abstract

Rapid development of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry and LNG vapor's flammable nature have brought up many safety issues. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling provides a powerful tool for studying the LNG spill, vapor dispersion, as well as other related safety assessments; however, traditional single phase model is unable to describe the LNG pool formation and phase change, which are essential to risk management. In this paper, we propose an integrated multiphase CFD model to simulate the complete spill process (including LNG release, LNG-water interaction, LNG evaporation and vapor dispersion) based on Falcon-1 and Burro-8 test. The computed results are compared with the experimental data and other simulation results. It is demonstrated that the multiphase CFD model provides better results than other approaches in accuracy and fully describing the LNG spill process. In addition, the effect of an impoundment on LNG spill and dispersion mitigation is also investigated. The results show that impoundment can significantly control the vapor's dispersion and shorten the hazard area, especially on lateral direction.