Atmospheric Dispersion of Inflammable Substances for Estimating Vulnerable Zones in Hydrocarbon Industry

The present study utilizes an operational model as well as simple empirical relationships for estimating hazard zones due to fire, explosion, and toxic vapor cloud dispersion. The empirical relationships are based on giving appropriate weightage to each of the parameters on which the hazard in question (viz, fire, explosion, toxic vapour dispersion) is dependent. Results from these two approaches i.e., an operational model FLAMCALC of U.K. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and an empirical model named FIREX] have been compared with the data obtained from the Mexico City disaster in 1984. In general, results from the empirical approach and FLAMCALC are comparable to the observed effects.