CFD consequence modelling

Explosion Modelling

Vapour cloud explosions on offshore facilities represent a significant risk that needs to be considered due to the impact on personnel safety and plant damage. The ignition of flammable gas clouds may be catastrophic and lead to potential loss of life. CFD is used to quantify the effects of hydrocarbon gas explosions and to minimize escalation into safety critical areas.

Full Probabilistic Blast Analysis

A full QRA probabilistic explosion analysis considers the local wind environment (ventilation), a wide range of possible leak scenarios (gas dispersion) and the blast overpressures resulting from the ignition of a range of gas clouds (explosion). These components are integrated together based on probability arguments using BMT WBMs proprietary in-house risk assessment software, with design accidental loads computed for safety-critical equipment, blast/fire walls and decks, piping and other locations of interest. The latest time-dependent ignition probability models are incorporated to provide the most comprehensive and accurate solutions.

Fire and smoke modelling

Fires can be devastating on offshore and onshore facilities due to the likelihood of flammable leaks and presence of ignition sources. Advanced CFD modelling methods can used to assess the reliability of fire & gas detection systems as well as to evaluate the ability of the facility to maintain structural integrity to enable safe evacuation in the event of fire. BMT WBM uses advanced CFD software including ANSYS-CFD, KFX and FDS to undertake fire and smoke assessments and to ensure personnel safety and operational performance are not adversely impacted.

Turbine exhaust studies

The exhaust gas emissions from power generators, compressors, glycol regeneration reboilers and other equipment presents a major hazard to personnel as well as helicopter operations. These exhausts are typically very high in temperature and toxic gas concentration, including CO, CO2, SOx and NOx. CFD is used to measure the gas concentration levels in critical areas such as HVAC intakes, crane cabins and accommodation quarters. The effects of other significant thermal exhausts including production coolers, compressor aftercoolers and mechanical refrigeration packages are also included since these have a significant impact on the thermal environment.

Helideck Operations

The flow and temperature distributions around helidecks can be assessed by flow and thermal analysis techniques. CAP 437 temperature rise and turbulence criteria are applied to assess the impact of the thermal flow field in the helideck airspace and flight path. These studies may be extended to investigate the annual helideck availability as well as to assess the helicopter operational envelope.

CFD Consequence Modelling Services for Offshore Facility Design and QRA

BMT WBM provides advanced fluid and structural analysis services to risk management engineers and clients who design and/or operate both onshore major hazard facilities and offshore oil and gas facilities. Our leading edge engineering helps in reducing risks and minimizing the potential for major ha