Event Tree Fire Loss Scenario Analysis
Event Tree Fire Loss Scenario Analysis
From Toolbox: White Papers Title: Event Tree Fire Loss Scenario Analysis Author: Thomas F. Barry, P. E. Company: TFBarry Publications email: [email protected] web site: www.fireriskforum.com Copyright: You may copy and forward this information for educational purposes only. For other purposes, please contact the author for permission.
ABSTRACT: This paper provides an introduction to developing and evaluating fire loss scenarios using event tree analysis (ETA). Developing credible loss scenarios is an important step in the risk assessment process. This paper introduces the concepts of Source Pathway Target analysis, event tree structuring, incident outcome grouping and also provides some examples. Information in this paper is extracted from the book. Risk-Informed, Performance-Based Industrial Fire Protection. An Alternative to Prescriptive Codes, by Thomas F. Barry, P. E. The information is based on actual projects at industrial facilities.
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A loss scenario represents the sequence of events that can result in undesirable fire or explosion incidents. The scenario development process must be: Sequentially structured in a time-related manner Credible in terms of realistic incident outcomes Contain sufficient information to allow the risk analysis team to quantify the scenario As presented in Fig. 3.1, loss scenario development is step 3 in the risk-informed, performance-based decision making process which is described in reference [1]. The input from steps 1 and 2 define the parameters for the types of fire scenarios and level of detail that will need to be developed. Fig. 3.1: Risk-Informed, Performance-Based Fire Protection Steps
ANALYSIS 3 Loss Scenario Development 4 2 Risk Tolerance Criteria 5 Initiating Event Likelihood Exposure Profile Modeling 6 Fire Protection System (FPS) Performance Success Probability PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT 7 Risk Estimation & Comparison With Risk Tolerance 8 Cost/Benefit Analysis of Risk Reduction Alternatives
APPRAISAL
Program Objectives
The term loss scenario development can best be defined as the reasoning methodology that describes the sequential relationships between time dependent fire loss events. In general, scenario modeling is an abstract representation of a real-world system or subsystem. Time limitations, complexity, and costs generally preclude the development of logic models, which represent every aspect and detail of fire loss exposure potential. Therefore, in most cases fire scenario logic models provide us with a simplified approach that attempts to include the significant aspects of fire events relevant to the risk-based decisions under evaluation. Section 3.2 describes event sequencing using the concept of Source Pathway Target. This methodology provides systematic input for structuring event tree logic and focuses on the potential risk at a defined target or targets. Section 3.3 presents an overview of event tree structuring with some examples. Scenario analysis is an important aspect of conducting credible risk-informed, performancebased projects. A comprehensive approach involves: Applying a consistent framework and systematic methodology Identifying contributing factors associated with fire and explosion (F&E) initiating events
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Evaluating the exposure-versus-time profile following the initiating event. Exposure elements include fire growth, propagation, incident outcomes, and potential consequence levels Assessing the performance of fire protection systems (detection systems, passive and active protection systems, life safety elements, etc.) in terms of modifying the outcome of the initiating event It is important to point out that this paper, introduces the development of a scenario-based framework focusing on event tree structuring. Chapters 4 through 6 in reference [1] provide the additional building blocks towards comprehensive scenario analysis, as illustrated in Fig. 3.2. Fig. 3.2: Building Blocks Towards Comprehensive Scenario Analysis
CHAPTER 4 INITIATING EVENT LIKELIHOOD CHAPTER 5 EXPOSURE PROFILE MODELING CHAPTER 6 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM PERFORMANCE Assessment of the performance of risk reduction measures
CHAPTER 3 LOSS SCENARIO DEVELOPMENT Identification of scenario sequences using event trees
3.2 SEQUENCE OF EVENTS A scenario represents a set of time-related events (transition states) that can lead to various fire or explosion outcomes. One systematic approach towards structuring fire scenarios is the Source (S) Pathway (P) Target (T) method: Target: The Target is the focus of the risk-based study and is the first thing to define. To be at risk, the target must be vulnerable to loss from the source fire exposure and have defined value to the owner. Source: After defining the targets vulnerability and value, the initiating source fire(s) that could expose the Target to loss must be identified and screened. Pathway: Pathway events include those factors that either propagate or modify the source fire(s). Pathway propagation factors can include fire growth, secondary fuel ignition, uncontrolled flame spread, etc. Pathway modification factors, which will reduce the exposure to the target, include fire protection systems (FPSs) such as detection, emergency control systems (ECSs), suppression systems, fire barriers, manual fire-fighting efforts. Figure 3.3 presents an illustration of the S P T (Source Pathway Target) concept www.fireriskforum.com Page 2
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applied to an example production building. In this example, the scenario boundaries include the
entire production building. The target or risk-study focus is the Control Room. The selected source fire for scenario evaluation is a hydraulic oil system fire. Fig. 3.3: Example of Production Building S P T Concept
An example S P T scenario development worksheet is presented in Table 3.1 for the production building example . The table is set up as follows: A. Evaluation Summary What are the scenario boundaries? What are the specific scenarios under evaluation? What is the risk focus? B. Target What is the target? What is the fire exposure vulnerability to the target? Temperature effects Radiant heat effects Smoke concentration effects Toxic, corrosive gas effects What is the value of the target? Property replacement values Production downtime/business interruption (BI) value Trained operators value C. Source(s) What are the potential initiating fire event occurrences? What are the events that should be selected for further evaluation? D. Pathway What are the pathway propagators? Fire progression potentials Structural failures, domino effects www.fireriskforum.com Page 3
Event Tree Loss Scenario Analysis What are the pathway modifications (i.e., FPSs)? Existing Proposed
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E. Assumptions/Actions What are the limitations and assumptions of the scenario evaluation? Actions How many event trees will need to be structured (i.e., based on credible initiating bounding fire source inputs and FPSs options) Note: Event tree structuring is described in Sect. 3.3. There can be a wide variation in fire hazard evaluations conducted by different people concerning identification and selection of initiating fire event scenarios. For example, one person may speculate a small combustible fluid leak and ignition, while another may imagine a total release of all the combustible fluid inventory. A credible initiating event is one that is both within the realm of possibility and is likely to be severe enough to cause significant damage (i.e., exceed risk tolerance limits). Generally, at this stage in the risk analysis, what constitutes credibility, reasonable likelihood, and significance is mostly based on the experience and qualitative judgement of the risk assessment team. Having a team consensus approach and a consistent methodology to identify and screen scenarios for further risk review is a very important aspect of conducting a credible risk-informed study.
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Event Tree Loss Scenario Analysis Table 3.1: Example Scenario Development Worksheet
Evaluation team date: February 7, 2001 Team members: Stan Smith Safety Tom Jones Engineering Jim Jones Maintenance Hank Edwards Operations Kevin Reed Fire Risk Analyst
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A: Evaluation summary Production Building ABC an automated production facility. Scenario boundary includes entire production building. Risk focus: fire exposure to critical control room operations B: Target Control Room Vulnerability (1) Electronic Equipment Operators 1. Connective heat Highly Highly from fire plume/ vulnerable vulnerable hot gas layer 2. Smoke, combustion Highly Highly gases (toxic, corrosive) vulnerable vulnerable C: Sources(s) (Initiating fire occurrences) (2) Expanded list of potential initiating fire sources
Target value Control room equipment replacement values: $50M Replacement time: 6 months 100% business interruption for 6 months Highly trained operators staff control room
Selected for further evaluation 1. Hydraulic system oil fire 1A. Torch (jet) fire 1B. Pool fire 2. Production equipment fire 2A. Hydraulic oil 2B. Electrical fire 3. Cable tray fire 3A. Smoldering fire Pathway modification factors (i.e., FPSs) Proposed options to evaluate Detection system above hydraulic systems and cable trays Emergency control system for quick, reliable shutdown of hydraulic oil pumps and electrical power Installation of quick response heads on sprinkler system Reinforcement of control room walls Actions (3) Structure event trees to analyze source fires: 1A 1B 2A 2B 3A
D: Pathway modification factors (i.e., fire protection systems): Existing Ceiling-level, ordinary hazard sprinkler system Note: Existing sprinkler protection would not be effective against a hydraulic oil torch fire or a smoldering electrical fire
Remarks:
(1) Quantification of vulnerability levels is addressed in Chap. 5, Exposure Profile Modeling [1] (2) Initiating source identification and screening is addressed in Sect. 3.5 (3) Event tree structuring is discussed in Sect. 3.3
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Figure 3.4 presents an example of source fire potentials as listed in sections C and E of the scenario development worksheet, Table 3.1. Note that each selected initiating event source fire has a related event tree. Fig. 3.4: Source Fire Exposures to Target and Related Event Trees
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The S P T concept provides a method for systematic thinking and reasoning when attempting to develop scenarios. The concept has a wide range of application from outside chemical process structures to multi-compartmented industrial and commercial buildings. Figure 3.5 presents an example of an exterior exposure to a critical control room operation. Applying the concept of S P T and using a scenario development worksheet (such as the in Table 3.1) provides a framework for developing event tree logic. The event tree logic, which will be addressed in Sect. 3.3, expands on pathway modification options. Fig. 3.5: Example of Exterior Exposure
Figure 3.6 applies the concept of S P T to an example multi-floor compartmented building. Again the process is the same: start with qualitative definition of the targets value and vulnerability, identify and screen source fire potentials, identify pathway propagation factors, and identify possibly pathway modification options (i.e., FPSs).
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Event Tree Loss Scenario Analysis Fig. 3.6: Example of Multi-Floor Building
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Figure 3.7 is an example of the S P T approach applied to off-site risk (i.e., fire or explosion risk beyond the plant site boundaries). For this example, Source 2 may represent the most severe off-site impact from a liquified flammable gas release, flash fire, BLEVE, or vapor cloud explosion. Pathway propagation factors may include topography, wind speed and direction, location of ignition sources, etc. Pathway modification options might include gas and flame detection, an emergency shutdown system (to reduce the release size), and a fixed FPS (e.g., fire proofing, water spray).
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Event Tree Loss Scenario Analysis Fig. 3.7: Example of Off-Site Risk
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Figure 3.8 provides a general illustration of the relationship between the S P T scenario development concept and event tree structuring. Event tree structuring and analysis is discussed in the next section. Fig. 3.8: Relationship Between S P T to Event Tree Structuring
PATHWAY (P) MODIFIERS Fire Barriers TARGET (T) VULNERABILITY Incident Outcomes
SOURCE(S)
Consequences
Exposure at Target
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The most widely used risk assessment technique for structuring fire loss scenarios involves the use of event tree analysis (ETA). ETA conveys the initiating source fire event, fire protection performance (FPS), incident outcomes, and consequences. Using ETA provides the major advantage of being able to incorporate time and conditional FPS performance probability into a scenario. ETA is used to analyze both simple and complex processes in which several FPS levels may be in place to respond to specific initiating events. To complete an ETA, a risk analyst must identify initiating source fire events, evaluate the performance of existing or proposed fire protection options and evaluate incident outcomes and consequences. Event trees are similar to failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) as they start with identifying a failure mode and then assess potential incident outcomes and consequences. However, methods such as FMEA or hazard and operability analysis (HAZOPS) dont usually provide sufficient detail on FPS performance, nor do they provide a vehicle for estimating probabilities of fire protection performance success and quantifying risk. ETA has several advantages in that it: Provides systematic organization of fire loss event stages Orders events in time-related sequences Identifies significant top fire loss events for subsequent FTA and probability modeling Allows evaluation of fire detection and protection system alternatives Demonstrates the relationship between the success of FPSs and the potential fire incident outcomes, consequences, and risk levels To structure event tree modeling logic, the risk evaluation team must have knowledge of potential initiating events (i.e., equipment failures, human errors, external events, or system upsets that could lead to fire or explosions) and intermediate events such as FPS functions and emergency procedures. Event sequences must be individually evaluated to generate F&E loss scenarios. The general event tree modeling logic sequence stages are shown in Fig. 3.9.
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Event Tree Loss Scenario Analysis Fig. 3.9: Event Tree Modeling Logic Sequence Stages Initiating Fire Source(s) Events
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7
Intermediate Conditional Events Fire Protection System Performance
7
Fire or Explosion Incident Outcomes
7
Consequences at the Target This section introduces event tree structuring and provides an overview of ETA steps. Quantification of initiating event likelihoods, FPS performance success probabilities, and exposure profile modeling at the target are covered in other chapters of reference [1]. 3.3.1 ETA Steps Figure 3.10 present an example fire risk event tree framework. Event tree development steps include:
Identifying the initiating fire source event. Identifying the pathway factors to be evaluated within the event tree analysis. For example, FPSs, existing or proposed, which will modify the propagation of the initiating fire source event. Structuring the event tree branch logic and time line. Assessing the incident outcomes. Identifying and quantifying exposure and consequences of concern at the target. Quantifying branch line probabilities. This involves quantifying the initiating event likelihood and conditional probabilities of pathway factors (i.e., FPS performance success). Quantifying the risk.
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Fig. 3.10:
1 2 5
PATHWAY FACTORS TARGET
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM PERFORMANCE SUCCESS PROBABILITY
SOURCE
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3
EXPOSURE PROFILE/CONSEQUENCE LEVELS
[G] [J] [H] [I] [E] [F]
RISK ESTIMATIONS
[A]
Emergency Control System Successful Automatic Suppression System Successful Manual Fire Department Suppression Successful
[B]
[C]
[D]
[K]
PROPERTY DAMAGE AGGREGATE LIFE BRANCH EQUIVALENT ANNUALIZED F&E RISK STOCK PRODUCTION SAFETY MONETARY LINE INCIDENT BUILDING EQUIPMENT BRANCH $ / YEAR DAMAGE DOWNTIME EXPOSURE VALUE, $ ID PROBABILITY OUTCOME DAMAGE DAMAGE
6
.60 .70 [C1] .40 [D1] [E1] .20 .30 [C1] .80 [D2] .10 [E2] .60 .20 [C2] .40 [D3] [E3] .20 .80 [C2] .80 [D4] [E4] Check 2-5 5 - 10 10 - 30 12 .90 [E4] .10 11 [D4] 10 .017 .15 0.33 minutes .04 9 .017 .80 [E3] 8 .20 .004 G2 G3 G1 G2 G4 [D3] 7 .03 G1 6 1 2 3 1 2 4 .0016 G3 3 [E2] .90 5 .014 G2 2 [D2] 4 2 4 2 2 3 2 2 5 .004 G1 1 2 3 .0009 G3 3 3 .05 [E1] 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 2 2 4 .95 .018 G2 1 2 2 [D1] 1 .028 G1 1 1 1
1 1 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 4
0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 4
140 180 900 28 350 3,200 210 100 42,500 400 425 900,000
.20
[B1]
0.33
YES
Fires/Year
Success ?
NO
[B1]
.80
TIME LINE
1-3
948,433
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Experience / Judgments
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As illustrated in Fig. 3.11, identification sources for primary initiating events include: C Scenario identification worksheets C FTA C Historical incident data C Plant data, plant history C Hazard surveys, experience, engineering judgements The initiating events are grouped in such a way that the failure modes of each group would impose the same or very similar performance demands on the FPSs. Groups of initiating events are then screened further in terms of the likelihood and the consequences of possible outcomes. Initiating event groupings are then placed into a scenario classification scheme such as designbasis events, high challenge events, or worst case events which are defined in Sect. 3.5. The risk evaluation team selects the initiating event cases of interest to the risk-based study. This process will also determine how many ETAs will have to be conducted. Initiating event analysis using qualitative FTA and quantification is addressed in detail in Chap. 4, Initiating Event Likelihood, in reference [1] and therefore will not be expanded on in this section.
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FPSs of interest are: C Detection systems C ECSs C Automatic suppression systems C Propagation limiting features (i.e., fire barriers) C Manual suppression systems C Confinement features (construction or separation features that confine a fire to the area of origin) Fire growth and propagation factors are discussed in detail in Chap. 5, Exposure Profile Modeling and FPS performance is covered in Chap. 6 in reference [1]. Fig. 3.12 : Example of Some Pathway Factors
PATHWAY MODIFICATION FACTORS
Domino Effect Secondary Fire or Explosions/ Secondary Fuel Releases / Equipment Failures
Detection Systems
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[C1]
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Therefore, to be successful in minimizing damage, we would want to detect, shutdown and suppress a fire before10-min elapsed. NOTE: Chapter 5, Exposure Profile Modeling in reference [1], addresses time line development. Fig. 3.13:
SOURCE
INITIATING EVENT LIKELIHOOD [A]
Flammable Liquid Release and Ignition
TARGET
EXPOSURE PROFILE CONSEQUENCE
[D]
Automatic Suppression System Successful
[E]
Manual Fire Department Suppression Successful
[F]
[G]
[H]
[I]
[J]
BRANCH ID
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
[E1] [E1]
YES
[C1] [D2]
[E2] [E2]
NO [C2]
The Event Tree indicates fire protection systems success in the upward (YES) branch segments
[B1]
FTA-A1
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Event Tree Loss Scenario Analysis Fig. 3.14: Example of Some Fire and Explosion Incident Outcomes
INCIDENT OUTCOMES
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Pool Fires
Flash Fires
Confined Explosions
Dust Explosions
NOTE: Incident outcome exposure and consequence assessment is addressed in detail in Chap. 5, Exposure Profile Modeling in reference [1]. Incident Outcome Grouping Of special interest in the fire and explosion (F&E) risk assessment process are those event tree scenario branch lines that represent: C The best-case scenario C The worst-possible case scenario C Other likely case scenarios that may be of interest Traditionally, in the fire protection industry, scenarios have been related to the following definitions, which were initially established by the fire insurance industry:
C C C
Normal loss expectancy (NLE) best case Probably maximum loss (PML) other likely scenarios Maximum foreseeable loss (MFL) worst case
Although there are different variations used in the definition of these loss expectancy levels, in general terms they can be defined as follows: C NLE This is the loss scenario assuming all detection and protection features are in service and operating as designed. C PML This is the loss scenario assuming the primary automatic protection system (i.e., such as an automatic water spray system) is out of service. C MFL This is the worst-case loss scenario, which usually assumes that all detection and automatic protection systems are out of service or
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ineffective and in many cases the loss severity is only limited by passive mitigation features (fire walls, separation, etc.). Figure 3.15 provides a general event tree depiction of how these scenarios can be related to the branches of the event tree. Fig. 3.15:
SOURCE
INITIATING EVENT LIKELIHOOD [A]
Flammable Liquid Release and Ignition
TARGET
EXPOSURE PROFILE CONSEQUENCE
[D]
Automatic Suppression System Successful
[E]
Manual Fire Department Suppression Successful
[F]
[G]
[H]
[I]
[J]
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
G1 G2 G3 G1 G2 G3 G1 G2 G3 G1 G2 G4
[E1] [E1]
YES
[C1] [D2]
[E2] [E2]
NO [C2]
[B1]
FTA-A1
G1 - Automatic Suppression Successful G2 - Fire Department Successful G3 - Automatic Suppression/Fire Department Not Successful (assumes delayed Fire Department Suppression at 60 minutes) G4 - Uncontrolled Fire (assumes 2-hour duration)
Table 3.2 provides an example of grouping scenarios based on the definition of loss expectancy. www.fireriskforum.com Page 20
Event Tree Loss Scenario Analysis Table 3.2: Loss Expectancy Grouping
GROUPED SCENARIOS G1 Automatic suppression system successful G2 Automatic suppression system not successful/fire department successful G3 Automatic suppression system/fire department not successful assumes delayed fire department suppression at 60 min G4 Uncontrolled fire assumes a 2-hr fire duration
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LOSS EXPECTANCY DEFINITION Best case situation generally related to an NLE normal loss expectancy analysis Selected probable case generally related to an PML probable maximum loss analysis Selected probable case generally related to an PML probable maximum loss analysis Worst case situation generally related to an MFL maximum foreseeable loss analysis
Chapter 7, Risk Estimation and Comparison, in reference [1] discusses how these scenario groupings are used in the development of graphical risk profiles.
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Emergency
Control Performance
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Event Tree Loss Scenario Analysis Fig. 3.17: Example of Potential Pathway Modifiers for a Production Building
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TARGET
EXPOSURE PROFILE CONSEQUENCE LEVELS
[D]
Automatic Sprinkler System Successful
[E]
Control Room Fire Barrier Successful
[F]
[G]
[H]
[I]
[J]
BRANCH ID
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
[E1] [E1]
YES
[C1] [D2]
[E2] [E2]
NO [C2]
[B1]
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Event Tree Loss Scenario Analysis 3.3.3 Example Exterior Exposure ETA Structure
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Figure 3.19 shows an exterior transformer fire exposure. For example purposes, some pathway modifiers (FPS options) have been listed. Fig. 3.19: Example of Potential Pathway Modifiers for an Exterior Exposure
PATHWAY MODIFIERS Fire Protection System Options: Automatic Water Spray Install as exposure protection between the transformer and wall Detection and Fire Brigade Response Upgrade Wall Integrity Upgrade existing wall to a 2 hr rated fire barrier wall Assumptions Cost prohibitive to relocate transformer
Figure 3.20 provides an example event tree for what we will call risk reduction option 1, installation of an automatic water spray system to provide exposure protection between the transformer and wall.
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Example: Event Tree for Risk Reduction Option 1 Automatic Water Spray
[B]
Fire Detection Successful
[C]
Automatic Water Spray Protection Successful
[D]
Fire Brigade Successful
[E]
Wall Barrier Integrity Maintained CONSEQUENCE LEVELS BRANCH ID CONTROL BRANCH INCIDENT PROBABILITY OUTCOME PEOPLE EQUIPMENT
[C1]
[B1]
YES [D1]
2 3 4
[C1] [D1]
[E1] [E1]
6 7 8
1-2
1-3
5-7
10
20 - 30 Suppression Limit
Figure 3.21 provides an example of a risk reduction option 2, upgrading the existing wall to a 2-hr rated fire barrier wall and relying on the fire brigade for fire suppression.
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Example Event Tree for Risk Reduction Option 2 Fire Barrier Wall
[B]
Fire Detection Successful
[C]
Automatic Water Spray Protection Successful
[D]
Fire Brigade Successful
[E]
Wall Barrier Integrity Maintained CONSEQUENCE LEVELS BRANCH ID CONTROL BRANCH INCIDENT PROBABILITY OUTCOME PEOPLE EQUIPMENT
[C1]
N1
[B1]
YES [D1]
1 2 3
[C1] [D1]
[E1] [E1]
[C2] NO [B1]
N1
4 5 6
0 Note 1 (N1)
1-2
1 - 20
10
20 - 30 Suppression Limit
3.3.4 Example Off-Site Risk ETA Structure Figure 3.22 presents an example for off-site risk. For example purposes, some pathway modifiers (FPS options) have been added to Source 2, Liquified Flammable Gas (LFG) Tanks.
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Event Tree Loss Scenario Analysis Fig. 3.22: Example of Some Potential Pathway Modifiers for an Off-Site Risk
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PATHWAY MODIFIERS Fire Protection System Options: Automatic Detection Systems Gas releases Flame Emergency Shutdown Systems (ESS) Automatic, Fail-safe isolation valves to minimize release size Automatic Water Spray Cooling on Tanks Fireproofing on Tanks Fire Department Response
Figure 3.23 provides an example event tree for off-site risk from a LFG tank. Following accidental release from containment, we need to examine the potential for immediate ignition creating a torch fire, emergency shutdown and isolation to reduce the release size or fire duration, and if there is not immediate ignition, the chances of delayed ignition resulting in a flash fire or vapor cloud explosion. The modeled vapor cloud or BLEVE exposure distance, which could create major injuries and fatalities would be quantified as part of the consequence assessment. This is addressed in Chap. 5 in reference [1].
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Fig. 3.23:
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Barry, Thomas, F., Risk-Informed, Performance-Based Industrial Fire Protection, An Alternative to Prescriptive Codes. TFBarry Publications, Knoxville, TN. November 2002. Available at www.fireriskforum.com. Guidelines for Hazard Evaluation Procedures, Second Edition with Worked Examples, Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS), American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), New York, NY, 1992.
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