DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL TO PREDICT THE EFFECTS OF EXPLOSIONS IN COMPACT CONGESTED REGIONS

In this paper it is shown how a number of models can be produced and l inked together to predict the consequences of a vapour cloud explosion in a compact region of congestion on a typical gas processing or stor age site. The individual models address the generation of pressure wit hin the congested region, the propagation of the resulting pressure wa ve away from the region and the load received by any obstacle on the s ite outside of the congested region. The performance of each of the mo dels is illustrated and discussed, including comparisons with experime ntal data. Finally, the application of the models to practical cases i s considered. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.