Liquefied Petroleum Gas Storage Research Articles

Ultrasonic testing and Monitoring of Hydrogen blistering and Hydrogen-induced Cracking of LPG Storage Tanks

Due to the presence of various corrosive chemicals in LPG (liquefied petroleum gas, or propane) storage tanks, it is very likely to cause different degrees of corrosion in the tank and derive various defects. This article analyzes the main characteristics and types of defects found in storage tanks and provides an overview of ultrasonic testing and monitoring of defects such as hydrogen blistering and hydrogen-induced cracking.

Consequence Analysis of An Industrial Accident at a Fuel Station

Major industrial accident is a type of technological disaster that may require extraordinary intervention in areas outside the facility, in addition to those affected within the facility. It causes damage to the environment and loss of life at the time it occurs or afterward. Studies to be carried out to prevent these accidents Zor to reduce their effects are important. In this study, a case study for the consequences of an industrial accident that may occur in a fuel station was analyzed. Firstly, possible accident scenarios were created by obtaining chemical, atmospheric and source data. The LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) storage tank (40m3) was considered in modeling a fuel station in the Korfez district of Kocaeli province, where the industry is dense in Turkey. The average atmospheric data of the province for the months of August and January were used to represent summer and winter conditions, respectively. Threat zones were produced with ALOHA (Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres) software based on a release to atmosphere without burning, a jet fire as a result of a leak in the LPG tank and BLEVE scenarios. The two most dangerous scenarios were determined as a possible jet fire in August and a possible BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) in January. Overpressure effects were also obtained using the BST (Baker-Strehlow-Tang) method, thus ensuring the validation. With the software, the vapor cloud explosion distance as a result of the leak in August was obtained as 456m and 268m for the yellow (6.89kPa) and orange (24.13kPa) threat zones, respectively. Overpressure in an area of 500 meters was calculated as 5.06kPa with BST method. This calculated overpressure has the potential for damage that can lead to glass and window breakage in parallel with the ALOHA output. It has been determined that indirect injuries may occur to living beings.

Experimental evaluation and quantitative modeling of thermal behavior of surface-attached insulation polymers and steel structures under combustion

The surfaces of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage vessels are usually coated with polymer insulation to maintain low temperatures. However, this insulation layer poses a potential fire risk. This study aimed to investigate the heat feedback mechanism and its impact on steel structures when bonded thermal insulation materials combust. Thermal insulation materials were bonded to Q345 steel surface, which is commonly used in LPG storage tanks, and experiments were conducted by designing a burning experimental rig of the combustible material attached to steel plate. Results revealed the existence of an equivalent temperature layer in the flame zone above the insulation material. Equations for predicting radiative and convective heat feedback were formulated. As combustion of the insulation material stabilized, the predicted heat feedback from the equations closely matched experimental values. A quantitative evaluation method, based on the inverse heat transfer problem, was proposed. This method determines the thermal decay function of heat feedback through the insulation material and steel plate. By establishing three key performance indicators, this work achieved independent quantification of potential thermal concerns and robustness evaluations of steel structures with surface-bonded insulation materials under combustion.

Unavailability Assessment Based on Improved-Dependent Uncertain Ordered Weighted Averaging Operator and Fault Tree Analysis

The fire-fighting system is one of the proactive technical barriers related to liquefied petroleum gas storage tank safety. This paper presents an integrated approach that uses fuzzy set theory, an improved-dependent uncertain ordered weighted averaging operator and fault tree analysis to handle uncertainty in the unavailability assessment of fire-fighting systems. In this study, the center of area is used to defuzzify triangular fuzzy numbers. Furthermore, for the fire-fighting system fault tree, importance analysis, including Fussell–Vesely importance measure and risk reduction worth of basic events, are performed to identify the weak links of the fire-fighting system. In addition, a real case study on a fire-fighting system for a liquefied petroleum gas storage system in an LPG unit in Algeria is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The research results show that the proposed methodology makes it possible to assess the unavailability of the entire system by analyzing weak links. Consequently, some suggestions are given to take preventive–corrective actions in advance, in order to reduce the failure probability of fire-fighting system and assist the practitioners in setting priorities for improving safety procedures in liquefied petroleum gas storage tanks. The study provides references for analyzing safety barriers in a complex system.

Identifying the environmental hotspots of sulfur-free odorant for LPG storage and filling by life cycle approach

The main objective of this study is to determine the potential environmental impact of storage and filling the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) with sulfur-containing (ethyl mercaptan) and sulfur-free (Greenodor) odorants by comparative life cycle assessment (LCA). The LCA was carried out within the scope of ISO 14040 and 14044 Standards in a facility that stores and fills LPG and potential environmental impact was calculated for eleven different impact categories. According to the characterization results, it was determined that the overseas transportation process had the highest impact among all impact categories. Because environmental impact was suppressed by other processes in characterization results due to the very low inclusion of the odorants in LPG, the percentage contribution of consumption of both odorants was compared and it was revealed that Greenodor had a lower environmental impact in all mid-point impact categories. For both tanker and cylinder filling, the impact category with the highest difference was photochemical oxidation with a rate of 79 %. The lowest difference was found in the global warming impact category with 18 % for tanker filling and 19 % for cylinder filling. Considering uncertainty analysis results for LPG tanker filling, Greenodor preceded ethyl mercaptan for all mid-point categories. However, in terms of LPG cylinder filling, there was no significant difference between two odorants.

Optimization the reliability of emergency safety barriers based on the subjective safety analysis and evidential reasoning theory. Case study

PurposeThis study aims to improve the reliability of emergency safety barriers by using the subjective safety analysis based on evidential reasoning theory in order to develop on a framework for optimizing the reliability of emergency safety barriers.Design/methodology/approachThe emergency event tree analysis is combined with an interval type-2 fuzzy-set and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. In order to the quantitative data is not available, this study based on interval type2 fuzzy set theory, trapezoidal fuzzy numbers describe the expert's imprecise uncertainty about the fuzzy failure probability of emergency safety barriers related to the liquefied petroleum gas storage prevent. Fuzzy fault tree analysis and fuzzy ordered weighted average aggregation are used to address uncertainties in emergency safety barrier reliability assessment. In addition, a critical analysis and some corrective actions are suggested to identify weak points in emergency safety barriers. Therefore, a framework decisions are proposed to optimize and improve safety barrier reliability. Decision-making in this framework uses evidential reasoning theory to identify corrective actions that can optimize reliability based on subjective safety analysis.FindingsA real case study of a liquefied petroleum gas storage in Algeria is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The results show that the proposed methodology provides the possibility to evaluate the values of the fuzzy failure probability of emergency safety barriers. In addition, the fuzzy failure probabilities using the fuzzy type-2 AHP method are the most reliable and accurate. As a result, the improved fault tree analysis can estimate uncertain expert opinion weights, identify and evaluate failure probability values for critical basic event. Therefore, suggestions for corrective measures to reduce the failure probability of the fire-fighting system are provided. The obtained results show that of the ten proposed corrective actions, the corrective action “use of periodic maintenance tests” prioritizes reliability, optimization and improvement of safety procedures.Research limitations/implicationsThis study helps to determine the safest and most reliable corrective measures to improve the reliability of safety barriers. In addition, it also helps to protect people inside and outside the company from all kinds of major industrial accidents. Among the limitations of this study is that the cost of corrective actions is not taken into account.Originality/valueOur contribution is to propose an integrated approach that uses interval type-2 fuzzy sets and AHP method and emergency event tree analysis to handle uncertainty in the failure probability assessment of emergency safety barriers. In addition, the integration of fault tree analysis and fuzzy ordered averaging aggregation helps to improve the reliability of the fire-fighting system and optimize the corrective actions that can improve the safety practices in liquefied petroleum gas storage tanks.

Major hazard industries disaster preparedness: an empirical study of liquefied petroleum gas storage facilities

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage facilities storing more than 50 tonnes of LPG are classified as major hazard installations (MHIs). This industry involves highly flammable hydrocarbon chemicals that can cause destruction of property and endanger human lives. This study aims to investigate the level of disaster preparedness among 23 LPG storage facilities in Malaysia. The preparedness performance of the facilities was assessed through a five-point instrument measure in six preparedness domains. For overall preparedness, 60% of LPG facilities were rated poor or weak, and remaining 40% were rated as good or satisfactory. This indicates a serious gap in the overall current capacity of the majority of facilities to respond to major hazard disasters. Across all facilities, 'risk assessment' was the best performance domain, while the worst was 'emergency exercise'. The findings provide an overview of the level of preparedness that can guide areas of improvement among LPG facilities in Malaysia.

Fire and Explosion Consequence Analysis of Occupied Buildings in an LPG Storage Facility in Southern Nigeria

The purpose of this work was to carry out an evaluation of occupied buildings from the devastating impact of an explosion in a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) bulk storage facility with the intention to provide information on blast requirements of the buildings and make layout modification as needed using the consequence-based approach. The simulation was done using DNV’s Process Hazard Analysis Software Tool (PHAST) and the process data were obtained from a process plant located in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. Three major scenarios; catastrophic rupture, full bore rupture was considered for a 6-inch pipe and fixed duration release of the stored LPG and propane gas using the TNO multi-energy method to determine the Maximum Credible Event on the occupied buildings within the facility From the study, the catastrophic rupture of LPG vessel #18 at 2/F weather category gave the worst impact with an overpressure effect of 0.7barg at a hazard distance of 166.959m. The thermal radiation intensity of 37.5KW/m2 due to Jet fire from the fixed duration release of Propane vessel #22 at 2/F weather category was found to produce the greatest consequence/impact at a hazard distance of 180.72m. The results from this work show that most of the occupied buildings within the location are in the vicinity of the effect zone of both explosion overpressure and Jet fire thermal radiation.

Water quality control in a water curtain system at an underground rock cavern of liquefied petroleum gas storage site (Kurashiki, Japan)

Water quality control in a water curtain system at an underground rock cavern of liquefied petroleum gas storage site (Kurashiki, Japan)

Examining the potential of damage in threat zones around LPG storage sphere in Hassi R’Mel city, Algeria

Purpose This study aims to determine the maximum extent of damage in the threat zones, the result of a catastrophic failure in one liquefied petroleum gas storage sphere, located in storage and transfer center in Hassi R’Mel city, Algeria. Design/methodology/approach To reach the desired results, we relied on ALOHA® v. 5.4.7 software (Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres) for accidents simulation, and on Google Earth as an output tool to show results on the city map. Findings The results prove that the city of Hassi R’Mel is almost completely threatened by thermal effects resulting from a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion phenomenon, which can reach a distance of 3.9 km. Originality/value Determining the extent to which the damages resulting from an industrial accident may reach is of great importance in preventing industrial hazards, as well as in decision-making in the field of urbanization.

Study of the situation deduction of a domino accident caused by overpressure in LPG storage tank area

The production and storage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is gradually becoming larger and more intensive, which greatly increases the risk of the domino effect of an explosion accident in a storage tank area while improving production and management efficiency. This paper describes the construction of the domino effect scene of an explosion accident in an LPG storage tank area, the analysis of the characteristics of the LPG tank explosion shock wave and the target storage tank failure, and the creation of an ANSYS numerical model to derive the development trend and expansion law of the domino accident in the LPG storage tank area. The research showed that: 400 m3 tank T1 explosion shock waves spread to T2, T4, T5, T3, and T6, and the tank overpressures of 303 kPa, 303 kPa, 172 kPa, 81 kPa, and 61 kPa respectively. The critical values of the target storage tank failure overpressure-range threshold were 70 kPa and 60 m. After the explosion of the initial unit T1 tank, at 38 ms, the T2 and T4 storage tanks failed and exploded; at 56 ms, the T5 storage tank exploded for the third time; at 82 ms, the T3 storage tank exploded for the fourth time; and at 102 ms, the T6 storage tank exploded for the fifth time. With the increase of explosion sources, the failure overpressure of the target storage tank increased, and the interval between explosions continuously shortened, which reflected the expansion effect of the domino accident. The domino accident situation deduction in the LPG storage tank area provided a scientific basis for the safety layout, accident prevention and control, emergency rescue, and management of a chemical industry park.

Modeling the consequences of gas leakage and explosion fire in liquefied petroleum gas storage tank in Istanbul technical university, Maslak campus

AbstractOne of the substances with high potential to cause damage that is used widely in chemical plants is liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The aim of the present study is to model the consequences of leakage from a storage tank containing LPG using different scenarios. ALOHA software was used as one of the best modeling programs for identification of emergency responses required at the time of the gas leakage based on modeling results. According to ALOHA program modeling results, the area called TEEL‐3 was located within a distance of 187 m from the tank, and the threat to people in this area was determined. In case of LPG leakage from the storage tank, the concentration of LPG was about 2100 ppm which is equal to the lower explosive limit at the distance of 187 m. The consequences of combustion and explosion of LPG gas at a distance of 65 m from the storage tank were the most serious danger that threatens humans. This paper has an important role in modeling the harmful effects of the release of LPG and hazardous substances in different scenarios.

The System Dynamics in the Human Reliability Analysis Through Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method: a Case Study of an LPG Company

The storage and handling procedures of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) institutes a multifaceted operational situation in the maritime means of transportation. The LPG cargo is supported by a mainly designed ship and registered LPG companies. The LPG cargo loading and discharging manoeuvers always have possible vulnerabilities. Thus, the crew on-board LPG companies should be completely alert of operational hazards throughout the cargo handling procedures, including numerous grave tasks such as drying, inserting, gassing-up, cooling, and re-liquefication. During these phases, human consistency plays a vital role in the maintainable conveyance of cargo. Human Reliability Analysis (HRA) has always been a grave factor for safety engineers and risk assessment experts. HRA is linked to numerous strictures such as the human factor, expertise, and ergonomics, which is still a grave deliberation when concerns with maritime safety and the environment. In this case study, the focus is placed on an LPG storage facility through the Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method (CREAM) methodology, which is selected among the most known and used methods for HRA. In the end, it is proved that investing in safety is crucial, and Human plays an important role.

Means of refueling gas&cylinder cars. Lecture № 7. Part 3. Features of operation of stationary automobile gas filling stations with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)

The characteristics and master plan of a stationary automobile gas filling station (AGPS) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) with ground and underground reservoirs are presented. A schematic diagram of architectural and planning solutions of a stationary gas station is presented. The requirements for the maintenance of the territory, buildings and structures of the gas filling station are set out. The calculation of the required number of filling columns and filling stations is given. The calculation of the gas consumption of LPG AGZS is given. The feature of inspection and filling of LPG storage tanks is formulated. Keywords liquefied hydrocarbon gas; architectural solutions; underground and overground station; exploitation stations; the inspection of tanks; gas equipment; filling tanks; the calculation of fuel dispensers and gas stations

Improved quantitative risk model for integrity management of liquefied petroleum gas storage tanks: Mathematical basis, and case study

AbstractChemical, petrochemical, and refinery sectors have been facing tougher safety, environmental and mechanical integrity regulations as well as challenges associated with the need for cost reduction to improve competitiveness. Risk‐based Inspection (RBI) is a cost‐effective approach to manage operational risks by making an informed decision on inspection frequency, extent of inspections, and types of non‐destructive testing. This paper presents a comprehensive practical risk model that can simulate all components of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks, that is, roof, shell, nozzles, and bottom plates. The probability of failure (PoF) model was developed based on failure frequency data from four different sources to determine the adequate general failure frequencies, moreover, it addresses the fatigue effect due to cyclic loading. Reviewing past losses of containment incidents revealed that fires and explosion are the most likely outcomes, therefore, this risk model introduced area affected consequence of failure (CoF) simulation. The CoF model addresses all the main components of the LPG tank and deploys a practical gas dispersion model to estimate the vapor cloud explosion (VCE) and flash fire consequence affected areas. Furthermore, modified mass release equations are presented to account for the decline in the release rate with time to determine the pool fire area and leak duration. Consequence areas are determined based on serious personnel injuries and component damage from thermal radiation and explosions. To validate the risk model, a proof of concept assessment was performed on seven tanks.

CALCULATION OF THERMAL RADIATION FOR THE DESIGN OF PROTECTION AND FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS FOR LPG STORAGE PARKS

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is industrially stored in spherical or cylindrical vessels. These follow strict construction standards to prevent accidents that may be caused by fire or explosions in neighboring equipment. The heat transfer by thermal radiation is LPG’s main fire propagator. However, even with standards in place, design and operational failures can still occur. In this context, the installation of firefighting systems to avert major disasters becomes critical. The design of these systems must follow national and international standards and codes, which indicate prescriptive criteria for the selection of equipment to be cooled in case of fire in a LPG storage park. The present paper presents a case study for a LPG spherical vessel storage park. It uses the ALOHA simulator to calculate the action radius of thermal radiation and subsequent selection of spheres to be cooled. It also compares standards adopted in Brazil to international standards, demonstrating that Brazilian standards are more conservative and obsolete in regards to the advances in Fire Engineering. The work has the potential to be used as the basis for reviewing Brazilian’s standards.

Artificial intelligence treating the problem of uncertainty in quantitative risk analysis (QRA)

PurposeNowadays, artificial intelligence computational methods, such as knowledge-based systems, neural networks, genetic algorithms and fuzzy logic, have been increasingly applied to several industrial research studies, the purpose of this paper is to study the contribution of fuzzy and possibilistic techniques to quantitative risk analysis (QRA) in the presence of imperfect knowledge about the occurrence and consequences of accidental phenomena.Design/methodology/approachTo solve the problem of uncertainties related to the elements of the accident scenario such as the frequency and severity of the consequences, the authors used fuzzy logic. Using this type of analysis, it is possible to visualize the contours of the dead or fuzzy injury by fireball thermal effect (first- and second-degree burn, death) and lesions caused by vapor cloud explosion overpressure (lung damage, eardrum rupture, head impact, whole-body displacement). The frequency and severity of fuzzy results are calculated by extended multiplication using the alpha-cuts method.FindingsThis research project aims to reflect the real situation in the in Amenas industrial area (SONATRACH company), specifically the liquefied petroleum gas storage tank On-Spec 05-V-411A, to deal with this type of risk. Using this analysis allows us to estimate the fuzzy individual risk using the approach of fuzzy logic to treating this uncertainty in the parameter information of accident scenarios. This index individuel risk (IR) was evaluated against the criterion of acceptability and then used for decision-making in the field of industrial risk analysis and evaluation.Originality/valueThe originality of the work is to identify the weak points of the classical QRA to solve the problem of the uncertainties related to the elements of the accident scenario such as the frequency and severity of the consequences to visualize the fuzzy risk contours. On the one hand and the development of software to calculate the probability of death by the overpressure effect and classify the most sensitive organs on the other hand. Given the importance of this study, it can be generalized for similar sites in the region.

An Optimization Study on the Reliquefaction of Boil-Off Gas from Liquefied Petroleum Gas Storage Tank

An Optimization Study on the Reliquefaction of Boil-Off Gas from Liquefied Petroleum Gas Storage Tank

Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Welded High Strength Steel Plate Using SMAW and SAW Method for LPG Storage Tanks

Indonesian government policy to convert energy consumption for domestic household from kerosene to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) may lead to the increasing demand for LPG storage tank. LPG storage tank with a large capacity generally used the HSLA steel material of ASTM A516 Grade 70 joined by SMAW or combination between SMAW and SAW method. The heat input can affect the microstructure and mechanical properties of the weld area. The input heat is proportional to the welding current and the arc voltage, but inversely proportional to its welding speed. The result shows that the combination of SMAW-SAW process yield the lower hardness in the HAZ and the fusion zone compared to the singe SMAW process. PWHT mainly applied to reduce residual stress of welded joint. The result shows that PWHT can reduce the hardness in the HAZ and the fusion zone in comparing with the singe SMAW process. The microstructure of weld joint shows a coarser structure in the combined welding process (SMAW-SAW) comparing with the single welding process (SMAW).

El riesgo en el almacenamiento de GLP en el Ecuador

El gas licuado de petróleo (GLP) es un combustible que proporciona energía a equipos y maquinarias para su funcionamiento, y es utilizado en el Ecuador en aplicaciones residenciales, comerciales e industriales. El manejo y utilización de este combustible genera riesgos hacia las personas y edificaciones que se encuentran en sus cercanías, los cuales no pueden ser eliminados, pero si pueden ser minimizados, si se lo manipula de forma técnica.El presente trabajo muestra algunos de los problemas de seguridad más recurrentes que existen en el almacenamiento del GLP. También se muestran algunas de las obligatoriedades establecidas en la Norma Técnica INEN 2260:2010 para las instalaciones de este combustible, y como son acatadas por los involucrados en la seguridad de estos sistemas para beneficio de la ciudadanía.