Modelling of fire and explosion occurrences at LPG storage tanks

LPG is one of fuel that mostly preferred in case of being the most economic and clean one. In our country, LPG is widely used at homes, at industry and at vehicles as an auto gas. The usage of LPG and its facilities in Turkey are at high level compared to other countries all around the world.Although LPG is an environmentally beneficial fuel, it can cause accidents which occur by either human usage or environmental factors. Any single leakage can cause enormous fires or acute explosions.In this study, possible fire and explosion occurrences at LPG storage tanks were modelled by using central composite design method. The required data for modelling were calculated using ALOHA 5.4.1.2 which was developed by US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Impact areas of those fires and explosions have been calculated by using obtained models. In addition, the safety precautions have been determined.Key words: LPG, fuel, accident, fire, explosion, safety, Jet fire, BLEVE, model equations