An integrated approach for risk analysis based on CFD modelling and reliability engineering

This work presents a methodology for the reduction of risks based on a reliability engineering study. In order to explain the methodology, a hypothetical case study is considered, where the scenario is the accidental release, into the environment, of a toxic chemical substance from a chemical process plant, leading to exposure of the local population. The dispersion is modelled by CFD-based software. The optimization process leads the calculated risk (individual and societal) to values below the tolerable limits in accordance with the supervisory boards. The connection between CFD, risk analysis and reliability calculations attests to the robustness and applicability of the proposed approach.