Transport Of Hazardous Substances Research Articles

Теміржол көлігі кәсіпорындарының қоршаған ортаға әсерін экологиялық-экономикалық талдау: («Қазақстан темір жолы» ҰК »АҚ филиалы-«Магистральдық желі дирекциясы мысалында)

The impact of rail transport on the environment is one of the major problems in the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is well known that railway transport causes enormous harm to the environment, destroying natural relief during the construction of railways, pollution of water and air objects also creates physical pollution for people, and the operation of wagons and the transport of hazardous substances can lead to a high degree of pollution and land degradation. This study was aimed at identifying the ecological and economic problems of railway transport in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. For the analysis, materials and data on environmental protection were collected. The results showed that reducing the impact on the environment was achieved through measures of environmental legislation. This concerned the reduction of the use of liquid and solid fuels, the equipping of emission sources with the necessary purification equipment, the reconstruction of environmental protection facilities, and the development of regulatory and environmental documentation. Based on this, it is shown that the use of environmental technologies for practical purposes can ensure the effective functioning and operation of a natural resource user enterprise from an environmental and economic point of view.

Integrated Environmental Risk Assessment of Major Accidents in the Transport of Hazardous Substances

At present, the environmental risk assessment of major accidents is mainly carried out for stationary risk sources. Only marginal attention is paid to mobile risk sources, while the currently available methodologies require a relevant expertise and time for their application, which is only partially possible in most scenarios. In the present study, an integrated approach to environmental risk assessment in the transport of hazardous substances (iTRANSRISK) was developed. The approach proposed is based on the principle of index-based assessment of leakage scenarios involving toxic and flammable substances during transport, in the context of indexing environmental vulnerability. The key point of the method is the conversion of local-specific data concerning the risk potential of the transported substance, the consequences and the probability of a major accident, and environmental vulnerability assessment into a single entity. The created integral approach is proposed for the needs of carriers of the hazardous substances and the state administration bodies. The proposed approach is determined for the screening risk assessment at the beginning of the process of the planning a suitable transport routes and the results are for information only. An example of the application of the iTRANSRISK integrated approach is demonstrated considering an explosion scenario following a propane tanker leak (18 t) in a forested area, with moderately susceptible soils and no surface water or groundwater affected.

Prevention of Major Accidents of Mobile Risk Sources

At present, the issue of public safety in the production and manipulation of hazardous chemicals deserves more attention, since various major accidents such as fires, explosions and toxic gas releases take place frequently. The issue of prevention of emergency events has become more and more topical. The growing amount of hazardous substances transported leads to increased risk of emergencies. In order to reduce this risk in the transport of hazardous substances, a number of technical, operational, traffic and safety conditions and requirements must be fulfilled. These all contribute to the reduction of hazards and risks. The aim of the presented article was to determine the extent of the danger zone in the event of a gasoline leak due to a traffic accident in a built-up urban area with a high frequency of traffic and population movement.

Analysis of events involving the intentional release of hazardous substances from industrial facilities

Industrial infrastructures, in particular those where hazardous substances are stored or handled, may be the target of malicious acts aiming at the disruption of normal operations. In the present study a toolbox of complementary and synergic techniques (Correspondence Analysis (CA), Fishbone Diagrams, Cause-Consequence Chains, Adversary Sequence Diagram, Root Cause Analysis) was applied to the in-depth analysis of physical security- and cybersecurity-related events that affected the process industry. The unprecedented original set of information obtained provides novel insights concerning these events. Clear correlations among security threats, including cyber-threats, and specific industrial sectors, as well as among the final scenarios and the different security threats from which they originate were identified by CA. In particular, vandalism resulted strongly correlated with the transportation of hazardous substances, and theft of materials with oil and gas pipelines. When considering chemical and petrochemical sites, cyber-attacks and the use of improvised explosives resulted to be the most common attack modes performed by the threat actors. Personnel and vehicle gateways resulted key elements when designing the Physical Protection System (PPS) of a facility. Insiders having the permission to enter the site bypass such controls, and were responsible of several successful attacks. Overall, the results confirm the concreteness of security-related events in the process industry and provide an original structured and detailed insight on the attack patterns experienced to date. Moreover, the results and the data obtained provide a novel set of baseline information for the application of SVA (Security Vulnerability Assessment) or SRA (Security Risk Assessment) methodologies in facilities where hazardous substances are stored or processed.

On the Weldability of Thick P355NL1 Pressure Vessel Steel Plates Using Laser Welding.

Pipeline transport uses millions of kilometers of pipes worldwide to transport liquid or gas over long distances to the point of consumption. High demands are placed, especially on the transport of hazardous substances under high pressure (gas, oil, etc.). Mostly seamless steel pipes of various diameters are used, but their production is expensive. The use of laser-welded pipes could significantly reduce the cost of building new pipelines. However, sufficient mechanical properties need to be ensured for welded pipes to meet stringent requirements. Therefore, laser-welded 10 mm thick pressure vessel steel plates were subjected to various mechanical tests, including high-cycle fatigue tests. Furthermore, the microstructural parameters and the state of residual stresses were determined using X-ray and neutron diffraction, which could affect fatigue life, too. The critical areas for possible crack initialization, especially in and near the heat-affected zone, were found using different tests. The presented results outline the promising application potential of laser welding for the production of pipes for high-pressure pipelines.

Essential Safety Factors for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road: A Case Study of Lithuania

Dangerous goods accidents occur infrequently, but the consequences are extremely large and cause many losses. The transport of hazardous substances itself is time consuming and requires a great deal of responsibility compared to a simple load. The safe transport of dangerous goods depends on a large number of factors. The purpose of this article is to examine the conditions of carriage of dangerous goods and to evaluate the factors affecting the carriage of these goods by road transport. This is done by analyzing the scientific literature and statistics and conducting a qualitative survey. The study identified three group factors that have the greatest impact on the safe transport of dangerous goods by road. The survey results were processed using the Kendall ratings correlation method, and the compatibility of the expert sample was studied using the matching factor. The study, using the medium-range transformation weights (ARTIW) method, identified the main factors of normalized subjective weights that influence the safe transport of dangerous goods. The outcomes of the research presented in the paper show that the main factors of Group I have the greatest impact on the likelihood of an accident during dangerous goods transportation by road transport; they include incorrect loading of cargo, driver fatigue, vehicle condition, and weather and road surface conditions. The most important technical/technological factors of Group II are correct loading or unloading of the cargo, tightness of the vehicle semi-trailer/container/tank, and the technical condition of the vehicle. The most important organizational factors in Group III are the risks associated with the carriage of goods, the choice of route, and communication with the emergency services. In the following stages of research, the main factors of the three groups identified should be used to develop models to make the transport of dangerous goods safer.

Hazards of the Road Transportation of Hazardous Materials

Abstract A lot of substances and items are transported by road, sea, rail and air every day. The biggest hazard is created by the transportation of hazardous substances with flammable, caustic or toxic properties. The hazard level increases if such substances are transported through densely populated areas. Traffic intensity, the technical condition of vehicles, drivers’ errors or ignorance and non-compliance with legal regulations are examples of factors that can lead to potential failures in the transport sector. Accidents can cause an uncontrolled release of dangerous gases or liquids, resulting e.g. in environmental degradation or a hazard to humans. The article presents the issues related to the hazards presented by road transportation of hazardous materials. Examples are shown of potential effects of accidents and hazard zones arising due to a release of selected hazardous substances, such as chlorine, ammonia, petrol, diesel oil or LPG.

TRAINING OF PERSONNEL HANDLING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN AIR TRANSPORT

Safe air transport and handling of hazardous substances and objects are affected by training of personnel handling dangerous goods. The carrier or cargo agent is responsible for the acceptation and control process as well as the storage and loading of hazardous materials in accordance with obligatory regulations. The article describes the minimum knowledge of specific sections of the instructions for given persons according to the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), which deal with the transport of hazardous substances. Attention was also paid to the professional training of personnel handling hazardous shipments affecting compliance with safety rules in air transport.

Improvement of methodology of justification of safe routes for transportation of dangerous substances and cargo

Purpose. To improve existing methods for safe routing when transporting hazardous materials as well as waste products. Methodology. Methods of mathematical modeling, methods of statistics, methods for predicting risks and long-term environmental consequences are used. Taking into account time factors, the distribution of population into different sections of highways is considered. Findings. Parameters of the transport network and their influence on the magnitude of the risk of an emergency situation and possible accidents in the transportation of hazardous waste (THW) are established in the work. An analysis is conducted of dangerous effects that can be caused by THW taking into account the parameters of road, transport network, type and modes of transport, and others. In order to minimize the risk of accidents during THW, it is proposed to use appropriate approaches and criteria K1 and K2, which take into account the lowest values of dangerous effects on the person during the transportation time, which allow evaluating the safety of the transportation system and the selected route, whereas their product takes into account all the possible main factors of the transportation system. Typical road and rail transport schemes have been identified to ensure a minimum number of accidents and reduce environmental and human hazards. Originality. Approaches are improved to transportation of dangerous goods by motorway and railroad, in particular, the parameters of curvature and inclination of the road, availability of settlements and bridges, meteorological conditions and traffic congestions, which improves the efficiency and safety of transportation of dangerous substances and materials. Practical value. The original mathematical models of mapping the route for transporting dangerous substances are offered while the existing ones are improved. The results of the research can be used by transport companies, public authorities in the transportation of hazardous substances and logistics and non-hazardous industries.

Consequence modelling of a truck explosion

Nowadays, the transportation of hazardous substances required for various industrial works is a very common activity. In each national economy, safe transport of hazardous materials on land is an important issue. Much of these materials are either moved by trucks or trains. However, hazardous materials transportation is very likely to generate major accidents with irreversible consequences on surrounding population and on the environment along transportation routes. The current paper deals with analysis and simulation of the consequences of an explosion involving a truck transporting flammable gas cylinders materials. Consequence modelling involves the graphic representation or the calculation and estimation of numerical values which best describe the physical results of loss of containment scenarios which involve flammable/explosive/toxic materials with regard to their impact on surrounding assets or people. In the present study, state of the art software has been used for modelling and simulating the accident scenario, namely the initial fire and the subsequent explosion of the gas cylinders.

Individual risk evaluation and interventions for mitigation in the transportation of hazardous goods: a case study

The transport of hazardous substances is an economic activity essential for goods’ transference chain. However, the risk in transporting hazardous materials is related to the occur of accidents causing environmental damages and public health dangerous consequences. A quite recent Italian example is the Viareggio accident (2010), which involved a train with tank cars containing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) which caused more than thirty deaths. This paper describes the safety state in the Varese district (an area of northern Italy with a very high population density and industrial activities), with the aim at comparing the current situation (considering the risks due to the transportation of hazardous materials on the main motorways and main national roads) with a potential scenario that introduces a few mitigating interventions, such as a partial conversion from road haulage to rail transport. This comparison can be accomplished by developing the existing intermodal platforms and implementing new ones in strategic areas.

Radiofrequency Identification by using Drones in Railway Accidents and Disaster Situations

Today, railway operation procedures include the transportation of large amount of hazardous substances. Our research has been motivated by the desire to find concrete and urgent solutions to the safety issues of handling waste generated manly in case of accidents and disaster situations during the transportation of hazardous substances In order to ensure safety in the transportation of dangerous goods, and to facilitate the fast and efficient waste handling of hazardous substances released into the environment during unexpected events, we have elaborated a new method, in which we suggest the radiofrequency identification of dangerous consignments in case of disaster situations by the use of drones.

Shortest path algorithm for optimal sectioning of hydrocarbon transport pipeline

Pipeline transportation mode is one of most used modes in oil industries. Transportation of hazardous substances by pipelines involves environmental, social and economic risks since a failure on a pipeline generates a subsequent release of a possible hazardous material. Limiting the amount of the spill volume reduces de losses and in consequence the associated risks; this mitigation is usually achieved by the installation of sectioning valves located along the pipeline. On practice a challenging problem is how much valves and where to locate them in function of the risks presented on each section. In this work, we tackle the valve location problem (VLP) for sectioning. This problem is modeled as a shortest path problem minimizing the maximum volume that could be spilled as well as environmental and social risks. To solve the problem we use the Bellman-Ford’s algorithm, assessing the number and location of valves to minimize environmental and social consequences. The approach was tested on a case study for sectioning a pipeline in Colombia. The results show reductions around 75% of the maximum possible spilled volume and the resulting valve configurations effectively cover areas with high vulnerability, guarantying individual risks lower than the acceptable risk on all populated areas and protecting areas of environmental interest.

Risk Other Than Attack – Substances Transportation

Abstract The modern era, alongside with the very fast development of technology rise challenging threats to human establishments. A large number of industrial processes include the usage of substances that present themselves as dangerous for life. Therefore, one is obliged to look into ways of reducing the risk of accidents that could affect the population surrounding the industrial sites. Given the fact that Romania has signed the “Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction”, risk other than attack remains the main threat in the field. The article is aimed at studying what is considered to be the most vulnerable process – transportation of hazardous substances.

Application of modern software solutions in the management of chemical accidents caused by the transport of hazardous substances

The rapid development of the chemical industry and the energy sector has become a key feature of the modern era. A large number of plants for the production of various raw materials and products, the operation of which is based on the use of hazardous (highly toxic) chemicals, poses a serious threat with unpredictable consequences to wider environment. One segment of the risk lies in the possibility that, when transferring some substance or group of substances from one location to another, a chemical accident may occur during the transport. Any of transport processes involving hazardous substances is accompanied with certain risk of undesired accident. Modeling of risk as a product of the probability of an accident and the consequences that it produces is a key factor in the approach to this problem. The selection of optimum routes along which to transport hazardous materials is one of preventive measures for minimizing the risk. There are various forms of route selection simulation and optimization models, but they all share the lack of a more comprehensive and more complex approach. Today, it is more than necessary to develop appropriate methodology and supporting software that would, in our circumstances, allow finding the most suitable routes for the movement of transport vehicles carrying hazardous substances, taking into account, in addition to the risks, the economic aspect, as one of the factors.

APPLICATION OF A DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM TO THE TRANSPORT OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

The transport of hazardous substances is an essential economic activity because it represents a quite relevant percentage of the total goods transportation. The risk associated to such an activity is fundamentally related to the possibility of an accident triggering that may cause negative environmental and public health consequences. A recent example is the Viareggio accident (2009), which involved the blast of tank wagons containing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and caused more than thirty deaths. In this paper, a modified algorithm for risk evaluation and a decision support system, called TrHaM (TRansport of HAzardous Materials), are proposed in order to both quantify the overall risk due to the transport of hazardous materials via road, railroad, waterway and pipeline and help in planning transport activities. The algorithm evaluates and shows the risk distribution using a stand-alone GIS software, which also considers sensitive targets with high crowding (such as schools, hospitals, shopping malls, stadiums and camping areas). Moreover, it allows for finding the transport solution and its logistics which minimize risk distribution, including intermodal shipping. TrHaM reliability has been tested onto the circulation of hazardous materials in the Varese district (Northern Italy). The area is characterized by a high level of both population and industrial density combined with heavy road traffic. TrHaM has been used with the aim of comparing the current scenario with a potential one that introduces some mitigating interventions which may reduce risk, such as a partial conversion of haulage from road to railway.

A survey of accidents occurring during the transport of hazardous substances by road and rail

A study of 1932 accidents that occurred during the transport of hazardous substances by road and rail from the beginning of the 20th century to July 2004 was carried out. The results obtained show an increase in the frequency of accidents over time. More than half of the accidents happened on roads (63%). The most frequent accidents were releases (78%), followed by fires (28%), explosions (14%) and gas clouds (6%). The various causes of the accidents, the type of substance involved and the consequences for the population (number of people killed, injured or evacuated) were also analysed. Among the diverse measures taken to improve this situation, the training of professional people involved in transportation seems to be of major importance.

Regulating Transportation of Hazardous Substances: Railroads and Reform, 1883–1930

The increase in volume of explosives and other hazardous materials transported by rail during the nineteenth century resulted in a growing number of accidents. In response, the Pennsylvania Railroad developed some of the first regulations governing the transport of such materials. In the twentieth century, a combination of enforcement difficulties and competitive pressures led the company, working through the American Railway Association, to press for industry-wide rules and enforcement, which resulted in the Association's, Bureau of Explosives. Similar motives impelled the carriers to seek federal regulation, which began in 1908. The Interstate Commerce Commission provided the legal authority in this public–private partnership, whilethe bureau took the lead in inspecting shipments, encouraging improvements in shipping techniques, and developing rules that formed the basis of all modern regulations of hazardous shipments.

Miniplants — Ein Beitrag zur inhärenten Sicherheit?

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Hydro-ecological implications of edge cities

A spatial and temporal classification of the embryonic forms of edge cities within their physical/environmental context is developed. Three classes of edge cities are identified as having developed along the expressway system: (1) transportation/service; (2) transportation/service/commercial; and (3) corporate/industrial. Each edge-city class has special implications for the hydro-ecological environment. A case study was used to assess the effects on these three classes on several basic indicators of impacts from stormwater runoff, groundwater contamination, and habitat fragmentation. The results indicate that transport/service edge-cities may pose a significant threat of contamination to the groundwater resource owing to the existence of underground storage-tanks and the transport of hazardous substances. In transport/service/commercial edge-cities, runoff volumes increase dramatically and water quality declines, as development displaces wetlands and creates impervious land cover. At a corporate/industrial edge-city location, habitat fragmentation is higher, as reflected by a decreased patch size for forest and wetland areas.