Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Knowledge Development, Consequences of Catastrophic Failure of LNG Storage Tanks

Overview

Main Objective

The objective is to evaluate the consequences due to failure of low- and high-pressure LNG storage tanks. Modern LNG tanks have a long history of successful operation, but it is critical for the first responders and local authorities to better understand the potential impacts of catastrophic LNG tank failure, which have the potential to generate several types of hazards, including fire, explosion, rapid cooldown due to exposure to cryogenic liquid, and toxic plume. This will help develop emergency evacuation plans for a range of LNG storage facilities.

Public Abstract

The objective is to evaluate the consequences due to failure of low- and high-pressure LNG storage tanks. Modern LNG tanks have a long history of successful operation, but it is critical for the first responders and local authorities to better understand the potential impacts of catastrophic LNG tank failure, which have the potential to generate several types of hazards, including fire, explosion, rapid cooldown due to exposure to cryogenic liquid, and toxic plume. Our study will involve analytical tasks, literature review, including past incidents, case studies from recent projects, and experience-based inputs from industry experts.

For this research program, we will investigate causes of LNG tank failures and potential hazard scenarios. We will generate scenarios based on our analyses and information available in the public domain and determine their extent and impact using analytical methods. We will consider both deterministic and probabilistic methods. Boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE) risks will be considered to determine projectile hazards. Representative LNG plant designs and tank configurations will be selected from our team's extensive project experience. We will develop detailed finite element (FE) models for the structural response analyses and perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and semi-empirical modeling to calculate hazard scenarios to supplement existing data and experience.

Anticipated Results: We are confident that our study will inform DOT/PHMSA and emergency responders about the risks and emergency response requirements. We will provide case studies and consequences of LNG tank failures in an easy-to-follow format along with detailed discussion on the technical basis. The findings of our study will be presented at conferences and code committee meetings to inform the industry.

Potential Impact on Safety: Developing a range of hazard scenarios due to LNG tank failures will work towards better and consistent emergency response planning. Informing the key stakeholders about the LNG tank failure mechanisms and hazard scenarios will help them with emergency evacuation planning. The local first responders can use our study as a resource to be fully informed of the causal scenarios and hazardous consequences from a catastrophic failure of the LNG tanks.

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