Visualization of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Spill and Dispersion: Safety Assessment

摘要

In recent years the demand for the natural gas has risen significantly, leading to new natural gas processing units and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) storage terminals. Increased production and storage of LNG has also increased the concern regarding the risks associated with LNG spills. An improved understanding regarding the nature and the behavior of the LNG spills in the complex geometries encountered in such facilities will help to develop better safety guidelines. Accordingly, this study focuses on visualization of LNG spill and dispersion in a 3-D environment. A theoretical model that considers the loss of LNG containment, evaporation, dispersion, and warming was developed and solved numerically using commercial CFD codes such as, FLUENT and FLACS. The Immersive Visualization Facility at Texas A&M at Qatar was utilized to display stereoscopically the results of simulations.