Safety and Environmental Sustainability of Strategic Gasoil Tanks, Affected by Fire and Explosion Incidents in the Oil Facilities of Southern Ahvaz

Abstract

Background: Incidents involving fire and explosions in storage tanks containing petroleum derivatives pose significant safety and environmental risks. The Ahvaz oil field, ranking as the third-largest globally, features numerous storage tanks for petroleum derivatives, raising the likelihood of accidents and necessitating a comprehensive investigation. Methods: This study aimed to assess the repercussions of gasoline release from two strategically positioned tanks within an oil center in Ahvaz city in the year 1400. The evaluation encompassed two gasoline tanks, one with a capacity of 650 L and the other with 2.3 million L. Numerical calculation methods and the ALOHA model were employed for consequence modeling. The modeling incorporated data on climatic conditions, topographic parameters, geographical characteristics, and tank specifications. The chemical exposure index (CEI) was utilized to prioritize potential health hazards for individuals in the vicinity of the tanks. Results: The findings indicated that, based on the Emergency Response Planning Guidelines (ERPG) criteria, the minimum safe distance for a fire is 28.5 yards for the 650-liter tank and 76.5 yards for the 2.3 million-L tank. Additionally, the toxic cloud radius resulting from diesel release was 61.2 and 136 yards for the respective tanks, putting 19 employees at risk in this area. Thus, the consequences of diesel release from tanks represent plausible and noteworthy incidents that could lead to significant accidents and damages. Conclusion: Assessing the repercussions of diesel release serves as an effective management tool in emergencies involving tanks, facilitating safe and appropriate placement measures.