| Abstract | Numerical modelling technique has been proposed to simulate fire incidents involving crude oil tank cars. This technique could complement scaled experiments to gain insight into the physics of large fire incidents and therefore better manage involved risk. Benefits of the numerical modeling can be summarized as follows:
- Ability to extrapolate results of the scaled down experiments to a full scale incident;
- Explore several fire scenarios that might be challenging to conduct experimentally such as effect of wind, tank location, tank orientation and spill size; and
- Obtain higher spatial resolution of data such as temperature, incident heat flux and radiative and convective heat transfer.
To this end, two computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools have been explored to be used in the simulations of crude oil pool fire. The first tool was the “open Field Operation and Manipulation” (openFOAM). The other tool was the “Fire Dynamics Simulator” (FDS). Both tools have been explored in terms of governing equations solved, sub models used, discretization methodology and structure of input file(s). Also, modelling steps in each tool were outlined and explained in this report. A preliminary numerical model of a heptane pool fire, tested in Sandia’s fire facility, was used for demonstration purposes. Advantages and disadvantages of each tool were listed in the “Summary and Conclusions” section of the report.
Both tools could be used to simulate crude oil fires involving engulfed objects. After carefully examining each tool, it would be beneficial to use both tools for the next steps of numerical modeling work. The goal then will be to recommend a robust tool to investigate fire incidents related to the transport of crude oil. |
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