Lee’s Model and Determination of the Thermal Effect Zones of an LNG BLEVE Fireball

The Global demand for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has increased over the past decade and is expected to grow rapidly in the future with increased interest by governments in cleaner energy to fuel economic growth. The LNG value chain starts upstream with exploration and production operations. It then moves through the intermediate stage of processing and transportation, followed by the downstream phases of liquefaction to shipping and distribution to the consumer. Despite all the measures deployed for prevention and response at each link in the value chain, the risk of catastrophic accidents such as a BLEVE remains, following an unforeseen event. The consequences of such an accident can be mitigated if preliminary safety perimeters are properly implemented upon arrival of first responders. The present work proposes to the first responders responsible for safety, lessons based on a graphical approach, related to the thermal effects of the fireball of an LNG BLEVE. Methods: Starting from Lee’s point source model and performing the appropriate transformations to express with simplified terms, an equality reflecting the distance vs. the fuel mass and the thermal dose felt. Results: The drawing of 02 graphical abacuses containing each one 10 characteristic functions, among them the radius of the fireball. Conclusion: Ease, speed, and precision are the outstanding characteristics of the use of graphical abacuses.