Mitigation of Fire Propagation in Hydrocarbon Storage Tank Farms

Abstract

Hydrocarbon fuel is considered the backbone of the majority of the industrial ap- plications and activities. Therefore, hydrocarbon storage tanks are essential to en- sure stable supply of energy resource in several applications and in oil industries and oil refineries. Failure in hydrocarbon storage tanks leads to severe environ- mental and economic losses, which reaches hundreds of millions of dollars, as well as human casualties. These estimated losses become larger due to fire propa- gation among tanks caused by intense incident radiation on adjacent tanks that are exposed to the fire. Chapter one discusses the impact of accidents in hydrocarbon storage tank farms on economy, industry and human lives. The classifications of hydrocarbon storage tanks are illustrated. Causes of accidents and their safety measures are introduced. The literature review and the previous research work are discussed in chapter two. Various experimental and numerical studies are investigated and criticized. The codes and standards are shown to be contradicting and sometimes vague re- garding the spacing between the tanks and the optimum cooling water application. Additionally, the relevant research gaps in tank farm safety practice are demon- strated. Finally, the research objectives are stated. Chapter three discusses the methodology that the author followed for achieving the numerical research objectives. Numerical model is created for investigation using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS). The governing equations and the solution technique are illustrated in detail. The followed equations and assumptions re- garding the flame d ynamics, the emitted and incident heat fl ux and the thermo- hydraulic model are documented. Chapter four introduces an analytical model used for calculating the emitted and incident heat flux and the cooling water application rate required to mitigate fire propagation in hydrocarbon storage tank farms. The Non-Uniform Coolant Appli- cation Model (NUCAM) methodology, governing equations and assumptions are illustrated. Additionally, the model framework and limitations are demonstrated in detail.