Comparative Risks Associated with the Transport of LPG By Pipeline, Railcar, and Tanker Truck

Quantitative Risk Analysis and Comparison of LPG Releases from Pipelines, Tanker Trucks, and Railcars

Daniel Denslow, John Cornwell

Quest Consultants Inc.

908 26th Ave NW, Norman, OK 73069

Abstract

Accidental releases from LPG transport vessels and pipelines can cause devastating damage and loss of life.  When a release occurs in equipment that handles LPG, the highly pressurized system can flash into vapor phase, causing a rapidly expanding flammable vapor cloud containing LPG vapor, air, and liquid LPG aerosol droplets.  A release from isolated LPG vessels such as railcars and tanker trucks can cause a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE).  Due to the potential hazards associated with transport of LPG and the fuel's ever-increasing demand, it seems prudent to compare the risk associated with different forms of transportation of LPG.  Consequence simulations are performed using CANARY by Quest in order to model the effects of LPG releases from pipelines, tanker trucks, and railcars.  The results of the consequence analysis are combined with accident, failure, and release frequency data for the specific equipment employed for each transportation method.  This will allow the transportation risk associated with pipelines, railcars, and tanker trucks to be compared.

Keywords

LPG, release, pipeline, tanker truck, railcar, CANARY

Contact

dbd@questconsult.com