Natural gas pipeline accident consequence analysis

Industrial licensing activities require safety and environmental studies to enhance safety and environmental protection especially as applied to pipelines. After World War II, industrial activities increased and accident risk analyses are now routinely made to reduce hazards. Most common accidents such as toxic emissions, fires, and explosions must be avoided. The risk analysis technique is used to prevent these undesired events. In this paper, accident scenarios and consequence analysis are conducted to investigate events and consequences concerning a natural gas (NG) pipeline. We found that fatalities can occur within a 260-m radius if there is a gas pipeline collapse. At distances < 30 m, injuries can occur as a result of thermal radiation exposure to the jet fire. Secondary effects from gas explosions will also occur within these distances. These results demonstrate the importance of (1) routing pipelines away from populated areas and (2) preventive maintenance to prevent leaks. (C) 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process.