Fire hazard calculations for large, open hydrocarbon fires

Abstract

A major challenge in industrial fire protection is controlling the impact from large, open hydrocarbon fires. The primary mechanism for injury of damage from such fires is thermal radiation. Depending on the circumstances and conditions leading to such an event, a different type of open fire may result. For example, ignited releases can produce pool fires, jet flames, vapor cloud fires, or fireballs, all of which behave differently and exhibit markedly different radiation characteristics. This chapter presents detailed techniques for calculating impacts from large, open hydrocarbon fires. Examples are included throughout this chapter to illustrate the application of these expressions.