Pipeline puncture scenarios near fuel depots – contribution to risk and implications for land use planning

Frank Huess Hedlund*, Jan Boier Pedersen, Eva K. Kragh, Jerome Frutiger, Gürkan Sin

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

This paper is concerned with accidental pipeline puncture events that lead to spray evaporation of moderately volatile liquids, gasoline in particular. The paper argues that both likelihood estimates and hazard ranges of pipeline puncture scenarios, and hence their contribution to risk, exceed those of tank overfill scenarios. This is particularly true for fuel depots which have implemented improved overfill protection measures in response to revised recommendations because of the 2005 Buncefield incident. The paper briefly examines the regulatory permitting regime for pipeline transport of dangerous substances. Pipelines are not covered by the Seveso III Directive. At the EU level, there are no requirements for systematic risk analysis, land-use planning and information to the public, amongst others. Furthermore, the current practice for carrying out pipeline risk analysis appears to largely overlook evaporation from puncture scenarios. The contribution of pipeline punctures to risk in a land-use planning procedure may therefore go unrecognized. The omission is important if such scenarios can generate very large vapour clouds that contribute significantly to overall risk. Many ports in Europe are losing traditional industrial enterprises. There is often a desire to develop and revitalize vacated lots at ports relatively close to expensive land near urban centres, for instance construction of upscale residential housing or office buildings near waterfronts. Fuel depots stay in the harbour however, to supply fuel to the urban centre. The inclusion of pipeline puncture scenarios may have major implications for risk mitigation measures and/or land-use planning around fuel depots, in particular for depots located in ports.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHazards 29
Number of pages7
PublisherInstitution of Chemical Engineers
Publication date2019
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Event29th Institution of Chemical Engineers Symposium on Hazards 2019 - The International Convention Centre, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Duration: 22 May 201924 May 2019
https://www.icheme.org/career/events/hazards-29/

Conference

Conference29th Institution of Chemical Engineers Symposium on Hazards 2019
LocationThe International Convention Centre
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityBirmingham
Period22/05/201924/05/2019
Internet address
SeriesInstitution of Chemical Engineers. Symposium Series
Volume166
ISSN0307-0492

Keywords

  • Major accident hazard
  • Onshore pipelines
  • Fuel depot
  • Land-use planning
  • Urban development

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