Calculation of leak sizes in pressurised vessels and pipes according to the leak-before-break criterion

摘要

For the consideration of released mass flows and their effects within hazard studies, leakage areas need to be determined which are physically justifiable and which cannot be reasonably excluded. Applying the fracture mechanics the leak-before-break behaviour is verified by the calculation of the propagation of an initial material defect. Consequently, leakage areas of through-cracks are calculated to determine probable and maximum leakage areas. For this purpose, models for the calculation of leak sizes are compared and evaluated. Example calculations are stated for typical pressurised vessels and pipes of the chemical industry in order to check the present estimates of leakage areas. In addition, measures supporting the leak-before-break behaviour are outlined.