Modeling of boilover phenomenon consequences: computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and empirical correlations

Abstract In the present study, empirical correlations were applied to predict the time to boilover and its consequences. Next, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was applied for the simulation of boilover consequences based on the resulting incident radiative heat flux. Empirical correlations, and the Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS) were compared with a crude oil boilover experiment carried out in a 1 m diameter pan (small-scale). FDS predictions were consistent with experimental results. A case study concerning the boilover accident in Milford Haven with a 78 m diameter tank (large-scale) was performed with the CFD model and empirical correlations. A comparison of the simulation results and accident data demonstrated that FDS was able to predict the radiation heat flux of the boilover in the target area in agreement with real accident data. The time to boilover correlations gave results in agreement with experimental and real accident data while consequence prediction correlations exaggerated the radiation heat flux and fireball height and diameter. It is concluded that an integrated approach including empirical correlations for the prediction of time to boilover and FDS for the prediction of the radiation heat flux in the target area, provide realistic results for prediction of time to boilover and its consequences.