Reducing explosion risk

Jensen Hughes is focused on market leading fire safety engineering consultancy. Obviously, fire and explosion risks are a major concern for pipeline operators worldwide. The safety of people, property, and the environment depends on effective management of these risks.

The following case study focuses on the impact of hydrogen pipelines on the risk profile of a hydrogen compression facility. Hydrogen, while offering numerous benefits, also poses unique risks due to its high flammability and low ignition energy. To ensure safety, it is crucial to evaluate and manage these risks effectively. Risk assessment methodologies help identify potential hazards and their corresponding consequences, allowing for the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures.

Fire and explosion risk analysis methodology

In general, the assessment process begins with a thorough review of the pipeline system and the materials being transported. This includes an examination of the design and construction of the pipeline, the type and characteristics of the materials being transported, and the operating conditions of the pipeline, including pressure, flowrates, and temperature. This information is used to identify potential hazards, including leaks, spills, and other incidents that could lead to a fire or explosion.

Once potential hazards have been identified, the risk assessment team will evaluate the likelihood and consequences of a fire or explosion occurring. This involves assessing the probability of ignition sources such as lightning, welding, or equipment failure, and the potential consequences of a fire or explosion, including property damage, environmental damage, and loss of life.

Based on the results of the risk assessment, pipeline operators can develop strategies to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of their pipelines. This may involve implementing measures such as regular inspections and maintenance, installing safety equipment such as emergency shut-off valves and fire suppression systems, and developing emergency response plans in the event of a fire or explosion.

Automation

Automation technologies have revolutionised the way risk assessments are performed, making them more accurate and efficient. Here are some key roles of automation in this context:

Data collection and processing

Automation techniques, including machine learning (ML) algorithms, can streamline the collection and processing of data required for risk assessments. Software tools can automatically gather data from various sources, such as piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs). This reduces manual effort and minimises errors in data entry and processing.

Computational modelling

Automation allows for the development and implementation of computational models that simulate fire and explosion scenarios. These models consider factors such as leak detection, ignition sources, dispersion patterns, and consequence analysis. Automation enables the efficient execution of these models, enabling rapid and consistent calculations of risks.

Risk assessment and visualisation

Automation aids in the quantification and assessment of fire and explosion risks. It can calculate risk levels based on established methodologies and generate risk maps or contours. Automation facilitates the visualisation of risks through graphical representations, making it easier for stakeholders to interpret and understand the results.

Scenario analysis and optimisation

Automation enables the rapid evaluation of different scenarios and mitigation measures. By automating the analysis process, stakeholders can simulate various scenarios, assess the effectiveness of different risk control measures, and optimise their decision-making. This helps identify the most effective risk reduction strategies and prioritise resources for implementation.

Reporting and documentation

Automation simplifies the generation of comprehensive reports and documentation of the risk assessment process. Automated tools can produce standardised reports that include the analysis methodology, inputs, results, and recommendations. This streamlines the communication of findings to stakeholders and regulatory authorities.

It’s important to note that while automation and ML can be valuable in fire and explosion risk analysis, human expertise and judgment remain crucial. The accuracy and reliability of automated techniques heavily depend on the quality and relevance of the input data and the expertise of those involved in developing and validating the models.

FERA-Advisr, developed by Jensen Hughes, incorporates these automation and ML techniques to streamline the analysis of fire and explosion. It can assist in processing large volumes of data quickly and accurately, and decision-making by providing insights based on the analysed data. For example…

To access the full version of this article and get a free trial subscription to World Pipelines, sign up here!

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/special-reports/12122023/reducing-explosion-risk/