Investigating radiation, toxic and hot gases fire hazards in large-scale storage tanks for oil derivatives with and without wind conditions

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to examine various fire scenarios occurring within storage tanks containing three standard refinery-produced fuels: gasoline, kerosene, and crude oil. Additionally, the aim is to analyze the emissions of CO and CO₂ pollutants, the temperature of hot gases, and the radiation emissions resulting from the combustion of fuel tanks, considering real-scale tanks with diameters of 25, 50, and 75 m. This research introduces innovation by concurrently comparing the abovementioned hazards under varying environmental conditions, considering the presence or absence of wind as a critical factor influencing hazard propagation. In addition, the radiation effect is identified as the most significant hazard near the storage tanks. Furthermore, wind can intensify radiation levels in the direction of its movement, with a noticeable impact. Increasing wind speed from zero to 15 m/s results in a 1.5-fold increase in the safety distance. Without wind, CO and CO₂, along with high gas temperatures, do not pose destructive threats. However, wind causes these hazards to extend closer to the Earth's surface. Under wind speeds of 15 m/s, these hazards reach a height of approximately 5 m above the ground. Notably, gasoline fuel is recognized as more perilous.