Evaluation of the effects of fires and explosions in the transport of hazardous materials

Abstract

Transportation of liquid and gaseous fuels and chemicals, albeit not frequent, can lead to serious dangers for humans, the environment and property due to fires and explosions. The two most common transportation modes on land are tanker trucks and pipelines. The effects of fires and explosions in such transportations can be modelled successfully to describe observed damages, as discussed here for three different types of accidents, namely tanker trucks carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and a gas pipeline, resulting in ignition and explosion. The effects of overpressure due to explosion and of radiated heat by fires are effectively modelled. The methodology and the developed e-platform are valuable teaching tools for engineers and civic personnel in order to foresee and assess risk and accident consequences near inhabited areas, and/or to predict alternate routes.