VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HO CHI MINH CITY HO CHI MINH CITY UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY LE NGOC MINH KHOI SIMULATION AND EVALUATION OF LPG DISPERSION INTO THE ENVIRONMENT IN TRANSIENT STATE VIA COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS (CFD) Major: Chemical Engineering Major code: 8520301 MASTER’S THESIS HO CHI MINH CITY, July – 2024 THIS THESIS IS COMPLETED AT HO CHI MINH CITY UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY – VNU-HCM Supervisor: Assoc. Tran Tan Viet, Ph. Examiner 1: Nguyen Bui Huu Tuan, Ph. Examiner 2: Nguyen Thanh Sang, Ph.
This master’s thesis is defended at HCM City University of Technology, VNU- HCM City on July 1, 2024. Master’s Thesis Committee: 1. Chairman of Master’s Thesis: Bui Ngoc Pha, Ph. Examiner 1: Nguyen Bui Huu Tuan, Ph.
Examiner 2: Nguyen Thanh Sang, Ph. Scientific Secretary: Pham Hoang Huy Phuoc Loi, Ph. Committee Member: Assoc. Tran Tan Viet, Ph.
Approval of the Chairman of Master’s Thesis Committee and Dean of Faculty of Chemical Engineering after the thesis being corrected (If any). CHAIRMAN OF DEAN OF FACULTY OF THESIS COMMITTEE CHEMICAL ENGINEERING (Signature with full name) (Signature with full name) VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HCM SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM HO CHI MINH CITY UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Independence – Freedom – Happiness ----------------------------- ------------------ THESIS TASK ASSIGNMENT Full name: Le Ngoc Minh Khoi Student ID: 2370074 Date of birth: 29/03/2001 Place of birth: Ho Chi Minh City Department: Faculty of Chemical Engineering Major: Chemical Engineering Major Code: 8520301 I. TITLE In English: Simulation and Evaluation of LPG Dispersion into the Environment in Transient State via Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). In Vietnamese: Mô Phỏng và Đánh Giá Sự Phân Tán LPG vào Môi Trường ở Trạng Thái Biến Đổi theo Thời Gian thông qua Động Lực Học Lưu Chất Tính Toán (CFD).
ASSIGNMENT’S OBJECTIVES: + Performance of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) in LPG dispersion; ANSYS FLUENT software; LPG tank; accidental leak and dispersion. + Propose the models for the dispersion process of LPG in transient state. + Conduct the simulation on ANSYS FLUENT software. + Analysis of the result.
START DATE: 01/2024 IV. SCIENTIFIC INSTRUCTOR: Assoc. Tran Tan Viet, Ph. Ho Chi Minh City, July 1st, 2024 HEAD OF DEPARTMENT SCIENTIFIC INSTRUCTOR (Signature with full name) (Signature with full name) DEAN OF FACULTY OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING (Signature with full name) i ACKNOWLEDGMENT First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to my instructor, Associate Professor, Dr.
Tran Tan Viet, who was always willing to spend time giving me practical advice and professional guidance throughout the process of this thesis. The invaluable support and inspiration from my instructor have been instrumental, providing the motivation I needed to complete this thesis. Secondly, I extend my gratitude to MSc. Duong Hoang Phi Yen, my dedicated advisor, for her unwavering support throughout this research endeavor.
Additionally, I wish to express my profound appreciation to our other advisor, B. Le Tan Duc, whose guidance and inspiration have been invaluable. Their mentorship, instruction, and feedback have greatly contributed to my personal growth and motivation throughout this journey. Besides, I want to give my sincere thanks to B.
Dang Thanh Nguyen, B. Bao Quyen and my dearest friends, who provided invaluable supports throughout the thesis process. Thirdly, I wish to convey my heartfelt appreciation to my family, whose unwavering encouragement and support have been instrumental in empowering me to persevere through the completion of this thesis. I am deeply grateful to my father, mother, and sister for their steadfast backing, which provided silent motivation and propelled me to reach this significant milestone in my life.
Last but not least, I would like to show my appreciation to Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, the Faculty of Chemical Engineering. Their support has been essential to helping me finish the task. I would also feel pleased to get advice and ideas from the instructors as I finish the project, which might have some mistakes. HCMC, July 2024 Le Ngoc Minh Khoi ii ABSTRACT This study evaluates the safety implications of the release and dispersion of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) resulting from a leak in a pipeline, specifically a 3 mm puncture occurring during the operation of a 33 m³ LPG tank.
When such a puncture occurs, the process equipment can rapidly discharge hazardous substances, forming gas clouds that can spread throughout the workplace and local area. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to analyze the dispersion characteristics of LPG, taking into account various release rates and the influence of natural wind speeds ranging from 1.0 m/s, aligned with different atmospheric stability classes according to the Pasquill-Gifford scale from A to F. The study simulated LPG concentrations at time intervals of t = 1s, 5s, and 15s, revealing significant fluctuations due to varying wind speeds of 5 m/s and 10 m/s. However, by t = 200s, the concentration and velocity profiles stabilized, indicating a steady-state condition.
The findings also demonstrate that the LPG mass fraction decreases with increasing wind speed, with LPG tending to disperse vertically at lower wind speeds and breaking down more quickly at higher velocities. This indicates that wind speed significantly influences LPG dispersion from the release point over different distances. These insights can assist authorities in adhering to fire safety regulations and implementing effective emergency response measures, ensuring the safety of both the operational facilities and surrounding industrial areas. Additionally, this research enhances the understanding of LPG emission behavior in the event of a leak, highlighting potential risks to humans and the environment.
iii TÓM TẮT LUẬN VĂN THẠC SĨ Nghiên cứu này đánh giá các tác động an toàn của việc phát thải và phát tán khí hóa lỏng (LPG) do rò rỉ từ đường ống, cụ thể là giả sử một lỗ thủng 3 mm xảy ra trong quá trình vận hành bồn chứa LPG dung tích 33 m³. Khi xảy ra lỗ thủng như vậy, thiết bị quy trình có thể nhanh chóng thải ra các chất nguy hiểm, hình thành các đám mây khí có thể lan rộng khắp nơi làm việc và khu vực lân cận. Một mô hình động lực học chất lỏng tính toán (CFD) đã được phát triển để phân tích đặc điểm phát tán của LPG, xem xét các tốc độ phát thải khác nhau và ảnh hưởng của tốc độ gió tự nhiên dao động từ 1,0 đến 10,0 m/s, phù hợp với các lớp ổn định khí quyển khác nhau theo thang đo Pasquill-Gifford từ A đến F. Nghiên cứu đã mô phỏng nồng độ LPG tại các khoảng thời gian t = 1s, 5s và 15s, cho thấy sự dao động đáng kể do các tốc độ gió khác nhau là 5 m/s và 10 m/s.
Tuy nhiên, đến t = 200s, các trường nồng độ và vận tốc đã ổn định, chỉ ra một điều kiện trạng thái thay đổi không đáng kể. Các phát hiện cũng cho thấy rằng tỷ lệ khối lượng LPG giảm khi tốc độ gió tăng, với LPG có xu hướng phát tán theo chiều dọc ở tốc độ gió thấp hơn và phân tán nhanh hơn ở tốc độ cao hơn. Điều này chỉ ra rằng tốc độ gió ảnh hưởng đáng kể đến sự phát tán của LPG từ điểm phát thải qua các khoảng cách khác nhau. Những hiểu biết này có thể hỗ trợ các cơ quan trong việc tuân thủ các quy định về an toàn cháy nổ và triển khai các biện pháp ứng phó khẩn cấp hiệu quả, đảm bảo an toàn cho cả các cơ sở vận hành và khu vực công nghiệp xung quanh.
Ngoài ra, nghiên cứu này còn nâng cao hiểu biết về hành vi phát thải LPG trong trường hợp rò rỉ, làm nổi bật các nguy cơ tiềm ẩn đối với con người và môi trường. iv COMMITENT OF THE THESIS’AUTHOR As the author of this thesis, I am deeply committed to advancing scientific understanding and contributing meaningfully to my field in the most sincere way. This dedication is reflected in the rigorous research methods I used, thorough analysis of data, and meticulous attention to detail throughout my dissertation. My aim is to fill important gaps in the existing literature, providing fresh insights and innovative perspectives that can advance future research.
Maintaining the highest ethical standards, I ensure that my findings are presented with transparency and integrity, promoting trust and credibility in my work. This commitment is also evident in my perseverance through challenges and constant pursuit of excellence. By striving to push the boundaries of knowledge, I hope to make a significant impact on both the academic community and the broader social context. v TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT.
iii TÓM TẮT LUẬN VĂN THẠC SĨ. iv COMMITENT OF THE THESIS’AUTHOR. v TABLE OF CONTENTS. vi LIST OF FIGURES.
viii LIST OF TABLES. Description of the problem. The objective of this work. The scope of this work.
Scientific and practical significance. 6 CHAPTER 2: THE OVERVIEW OF THE DISPERSION SIMULATION. Overview of the CFD simulation. Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD).
Working principle of ANSYS CFD. An overview of CFD simulation. Application of ANSYS FLUENT software in CFD. Application of some modules in ANSYS FLUENT software.
Current research on CFD simulation of emission accidents. 19 CHAPTER 3: MATHEMATICAL MODELING. 34 CHAPTER 4: CFD SETUP AND SIMULATION. CFD simulation setup.
Properties of materials. Properties of the simulation. 45 CHAPTER 5: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Selection of the grid for the simulation model.
Meshing for the computational simulation. Determining the flammability range of the gas mixture. The simulation computational model in transient-state. LPG behavior during the dispersion with different wind velocities.
Analysis of average LPG concentration in points. Wind velocity distribution during the dispersion. Insights of velocity contour on LPG dispersion and leakage. 74 CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
88 viii LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Route of LPG from production to the end-consumer .2: Location of LPG station on site plan .3: FU VIETNAM’s location on satellite map (Access date: 01/05/2024) .4: 15 tons LPG supply station area .5: Front view of the LPG tank .1: Example in which heavy gas clouds dispersed .2: Computational domain defined for a circular pipe .3: Procedure for CFD simulation .4: The mole fraction of NH3 .5: The velocity magnitude (m/s) of wind field .6: Temperature range (K) of LPG liquid fire diameter (D = 10.4 m) with different wind speeds .7: Leakage length (left) and dispersion distance 10 s (right) after leak considered at 30 MPa pressure .8: Dissipation distance after 5 seconds (left) and 10 seconds (right) after leakage at pressures of 50 MPa and 70 MPa .9: Schematic of propane concentration with LFL concentration at different times (first 20 seconds after emission) for three cases .10: The hydrogen distribution for different crossbeam heights at t = 400s23 Figure 2.11: Computational model of LNG leakage and diffusion .12: LNG diffusion process when leakage occurs during STS process .1: Solvers in ANSYS FLUENT .1: The geometry of the LPG station – (A) Isometric view – (B) Top view – (C) Front view – (D) LPG tank– (E) Isometric view with domain .2: The geometric model of the LPG station .4: Types of meshing .5: Example of a structured triangular mesh and an unstructured triangular mesh .6: Illustration of a pipe with (A) – Polyhedral volume mesh and (B) – Poly- hexcore volume mesh .7: Named selection of the LPG storage tank (A) Wind inlet – (B) Wind outlet – (C) Release source .8: Schematic diagram of computational LPG model .1: Velocity contour of the sample case with the locations of test points.2: Velocity of three test points under different grid resolutions .3: The poly-hexcore volume mesh of the simulation model .4: The volume average of LPG for different wind velocities versus time .