126 research outputs found
Estimation of the impact probability in domino effects due to the projection of fragments
No full textABSTRACT: Despite the remarkable severity of domino effects in activities at major hazard, a complete methodology analysing such events has not been developed and integrated within Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA). Such a deficiency appears to be particularly remarkable for domino effects triggered by the projection of fragments. The aim of the present work is
therefore to propose a systematic procedure for the quantification of domino effects due to fragments projection within QRA. To achieve this objective, the deterministic approach for the estimation of the realistic trajectory of fragments is entirely reviewed. In order to
incorporate such a reviewed approach within the standard QRA, a probabilistic model for the impact probability of the fragments is developed by applying a Monte-Carlo method to the trajectory equations. The validation of the proposed framework is carried out by using the data related to an accident occurred in 1993 in the oil refinery of Milazzo (Italy)
Cost–benefit analysis approach for the management of industrial safety in chemical and petrochemical industry
No full textThe management of industrial safety in chemical and petrochemical industry by comparing costs and benefits
No full textComparing consequences of different liquid tank explosions triggered by lava inundations
No full textNatural disasters can cause several acci
dents affecting the integrity of industrial facilities and lifelines, the so-
called natural-technological accidents or simply Na-Techs. Amongst several volcanic hazards, lava flows
appear less dangerous for human life than other phen
omena and their impact on structures, traffic and
communication are even also more manageable, becau
se the slow movement of these streams allows
mitigation strategies to be employed. Neverthele
ss, in 2002 two Italian newspapers reported about an
explosion due to a boiling liquid expansion inside a civil tank (BLEVE), which was triggered by thermal
radiation produced by a lava flow, during an effusive
eruption of Mt. Etna. BL
EVEs are amongst the most
severe accidents that could occur in chemical and proc
ess industry as well as in the storage of hazardous
materials; as an example the result
of the previous mentioned explosi
on was a number of 32 injured people.
This accident highlighted a lack of these scenarios reported in the local emergency plans. To allow improving the emergency management, the present work compares the potential damage scenarios associated with different liquid tanks (containing water and fuel) used in civil activities and triggered by lava inundation
Uncertainties in QRA: Analysis of losses of containment from piping and implications on risk prevention and mitigation
No full textQuantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) is commonly used in the chemical industry to support decision-making. Common practices are based on standard methods, such as fault tree, event tree, etc.; in this frame, risk is a function of frequency of events (probability) and associated consequences (negative outcomes), but relevant uncertainties often are not properly taken into account in the derived results. This paper presents the application of an extended risk analysis of loss of containments for a case-study with the following aims: firstly, the uncertainties related to the results of the analysis, which derive from assumption in the application of the standard models, are qualitatively assessed; secondly the application allows evaluating the impact of the uncertainties on the trustworthiness of the results and, finally, commenting about their use in the risk prevention and mitigation. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd
Comparison of criteria for prediction of runaway reactions in the sulphuric acid catalyzed esterification of acetic anhydride and methanol
No full textAgeing and creeping management in major accident plants according to seveso III directive
No full textThe focus of this paper is the management of critical equipment ageing within the context of lower and upper tier Seveso process plants, with a peculiar insight into the effectiveness of safety management systems in setting-up reliable procedure for critical element identification. Recent research studies in fact evidenced that in Europe nearly 50% of major 'loss of containment' events, arising from technical plant failures, were primarily due to ageing plant mechanisms such as erosion, corrosion and fatigue. The critical ageing elements should be included in maintenance, inspection and periodic monitoring programs in relation to their reliability, as assumed in the risk assessment and their lifetime or frequency ranges, based on their operational experience. This paper will accurately discuss how the issue of ageing is currently handled in the process industry. The methodology builds on the critical results of actual findings from the inspections on the safety management systems of major accident plants, which were performed by a working group. The primary objective is to stimulate the introduction of effective ageing management changes into the safety management of companies, by taking advantages of findings of the previous assessment and establishing proper and effective audits
Quantifying Local Corrosion Rate in Atmospheric Storage Tanks Utilizing Advanced Numerical Simulations
No full textThe familiarity we possess with traditional fuels stems from extensive research, rigorous testing, and decades of manufacturing and operational expertise. Presently, a wave of novel and alternative fuels, utilizing new feedstocks and manufacturing methodologies, is emerging in the market. However, owing to their recent introduction and the challenges in scaling up to mass production, certain alternative fuels may exhibit variability and pose concerns related to corrosion. Atmospheric storage tanks play a critical role in the safe and reliable handling of hazardous substances in major accident hazard establishments. To prevent potential leaks, it is essential to regularly monitor the thickness of their bottom sections. This typically involves comprehensive inspections that are conducted every 10 years or more. Despite the regular thickness assessments, discrete measurements cannot fully capture the most severe corrosion damage, particularly in localized forms like pitting.
The primary objective of this investigation is to meticulously trace, analyse the intricate evolution of the metal/electrolyte interface and model the underlying mechanisms governing the initiation and propagation of single as well as multiple interacting corrosion pits. In pursuit of this objective, the research employs the computational framework of COMSOL Multiphysics for conducting numerical simulations executed on a model that intricately amalgamates the complex dynamics of the electrolyte and the electrochemical characteristics at the interface, thereby formulating a phase-field dependent representation of the Nernst-Planck equations.
The conducted analyses afford the opportunity to discern and articulate the intricate functional interdependencies governing the corrosion rate concerning pivotal parameters. These parameters encompass not only the electrochemical potential but also encompass variables including the spatial distribution, the number, mutual distance among pits, alongside the influential role played by the electrolyte's chemical composition
A GIS-based tool for the management of industrial accidents triggered by volcanic ash fallouts
No full textIn this last decade, worldwide attention has been focused on the hazards derived from the interaction between extreme natural phenomena and critical infrastructures and/or chemical and process industry (natural-technological hazards or Na-Tech). Due to the recent occurrence of significant events, great attention has also given to Na-Tech hazards triggered by volcanic eruptions; in particular the eruption of the Icelandic volcano alarmed European community due to the ash fallout over the continent, which caused significant problems for the population, road, rail and air traffic and production activities. This study aims at defining a procedure for the representation of the vulnerability of industrial facilities to potential volcanic ash fallouts. Its implementation on a Geographical Information System (GIS) has also been executed and a semi-automatic procedure for the vulnerability mapping has been constructed
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