CFD implementation to mitigate the LNG leakage consequences: A review of explosion accident calculation on LNG-fueled ships
摘要
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has a significant benefit in reducing air pollutants such as sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter emitted by Diesel Oil or Heavy Fuel Oil. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulates these pollutants in MARPOL Protocol Annex VI. It was implemented by establishing an Emission Control Area (ECA) in 2010 that restricts exhaust gas of ships. This regulation has resulted in new shipbuilding orders or conversions to adopt the LNG-fueled systems. Besides the benefits of LNG fuel, storing, transporting, and distributing this fuel has a different problem with conventional fuels. LNG is volatile, and it has a low flashpoint that could lead to spontaneous ignition. To assess the safety and mitigation for LNG-powered ships, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), such as Kameleon Fire Ex (KFX) and Flame Acceleration Simulator (FLACS), is considered to simulate the LNG release. This technical measure is taken to observe the possible damage or loss due to the cryogenic effect, the extreme temperature of the jet fire, or Vapor Cloud Explosion (VCE). These consequences could happen sequentially that known as the “Domino Effect”. The effect of the leak and environment-related parameters could influence the severity of the damage. The applications of CFD for the LNG release cases are discussed and highlighted in this review.