Modeling and risk analysis of large-scale crude oil pool fire on an offshore facility

Large-scale pool fires on offshore platforms can have disastrous consequences. Wind load is an essential component of the marine environment; hence, wind-shielding facilities are installed on the platforms as needed. A computational fluid dynamics technique is used in this study to model large-scale pool fires. The effects of wind load and windshields on large-scale pool fires are investigated. Furthermore, the impact of the large-scale pool fire on personnel is evaluated based on thermal radiation dose. It has been discovered that the growing horizontal momentum of the wind load might result in a significant distance of fatal injury. The windshields have double-edged effects, including that: (1) they can reduce the injury distance by preventing the spread of fire products; and (2) they could block the release of heat and smoke. It is advised that while installing windshields on offshore platforms, different fire scenarios need to be considered. This research can be used to provide technical support for the development of the emergency evacuation strategy and layout design of offshore platforms.

Automated summary

A computational fluid dynamics technique is used to model large-scale pool fires and investigate the effects of wind load and windshields. The impact on personnel is evaluated based on thermal radiation dose. It is discovered that the growing horizontal momentum of the wind load may result in fatal injury at a significant distance. Windshields have both positive and negative effects on large-scale pool fires by reducing injury distance and potentially blocking heat and smoke release. Different fire scenarios should be considered when installing windshields on offshore platforms.