Retrospective risk analysis and controls for Semabla grain storage hybrid mixture explosion

Abstract

A continuation of the Quantitative Risk Management Framework validation is addressed in this paper. The explosion at the grain silo at the Semabla Company in Blaye, France in 1997 was considered as a hybrid mixture (Fermentation flammable gas/wheat and Maize dust) explosion. The risk analysis uses a Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling technique, which is represented in the Dust Explosion Simulation Code software and in conjunction with Probit equations to estimate the severity of consequences, and the Fault tree analysis technique to estimate the hybrid mixture explosion frequencies in a facility. Risk estimations (risk indices, individual risk, and societal risk) have been determined before and after the framework was applied.The results showed a great reduction in risk if the framework is applied before any expected explosion.