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We recently performed an analysis of the possible fire and explosion hazards resulting from breakage of a pipeline carrying flammable gas under pressure and the potential threat to the property surrounding it.
The breakage may be accidental or intentional (for example, due to terrorist activity). If the pipeline breaks, it takes a finite time for the gas supply to the pipeline to be shut off. During this time,
a large amount of flammable content may leak out of the pipe. Ignition of leaked flammable gas may cause property damage and collateral loss.
We recently analyzed possible fire and explosion hazards associated with the breakage of a natural gas pipeline and its effect on the neighborhood structures such as bridges, plants and buildings. As a part of
this analysis, we answered the following questions:
- How much natural gas will be released?
- Is the natural gas plume flammable?
- Can the natural gas plume ignite?
- What type of fire can result when the gas is unconfined?
- What are the potential catastrophic effects of a long duration fire (say 1 hour)?
- Can the natural gas explode?
This analysis can be extended easily to predict the hazard associated with other pipelines and storage tanks carrying flammable content.
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