The effect of barriers on reducing thermal heat fluxes from a hydrocarbon pool fire

• Published in: Journal of loss prevention in the process industries 2021-09, Vol.72, p.104554, Article 104554
• Main Author: Gavelli, Filippo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Hazard analysis; LNG; Pool fire; Solid flame; Thermal heat flux
• ISSN: 0950-4230
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jlp.2021.104554

The radiant heat flux from a pool fire is frequently calculated using the solid flame model, where the flame envelope is approximated as a stationary cylinder whose surface emits thermal radiation at a constant rate. Radiant heat flux calculations using the solid flame model assume the target to be at a given elevation, typically at ground level, and to have an unobstructed view of the fire. The presence of obstacles (e.g., walls, buildings, etc.) or terrain features that would create shaded areas and provide shielding of a target from the fire is typically neglected in these calculations: this is a conservative approach, but it is not accurate. This paper presents a methodology to utilize the solid flame model to calculate the heat flux to a target while taking into account the presence of an obstruction between the target and the fire. The shielded solid flame method can quantitatively account for the presence of obstacles as a passive mitigation measure and allows project developers or designers to optimize their facility layout to meet safety requirements. The methodology presented in this paper uses the same correlations found in currently used solid flame models (e.g., LNGFIRE3), therefore, it remains consistent with current regulatory requirements for LNG facilities in the U.S. •Solid flame models are widely used in hazard analysis of pool fires.•Proposed methodology allows calculation of heat flux mitigation by barriers.•Methodology is based on regulatory-approved model LNGFIRE3.