EFFECTS OF FIRE ON LPG TANK CARS. PHASE II REPORT

The response of a DOT 112A340W tank car to a fire environment is investigated theoretically in this study, giving particular attention to propane lading. The possibility of tank rupture arising from variations in filling density, tank thickness, safety-relief valve setting and discharge rate is analyzed for fire conditions ranging from a unit heat input of 34,500 BTU/HR-FT over the entire tank surface to approximately one quarter of this value. The analysis and, hence, conclusions are based on several assumptions necessitated by the lack of data in certain areas; thermodynamic properties of commercial propane; valve discharge efficiencies with saturated fluids and slightly subcooled liquid; stratification effects; and of course, the statistical spectrum of the fire environment. Nevertheless, the results are published at this time as a foundation upon which further project work will be based.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • An RPI-AAR Cooperative Project.
• Corporate Authors:

  Association of American Railroads Research Center

  3140 South Federal Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60616
• Authors:
  • Manda, L
• Publication Date: 1971-4

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures;
• Pagination: 68 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Failure; Flammability tests; Hazardous materials; Liquefied petroleum gas; Metallurgy; Railroad materials; Research; Safety; Safety valves; Tank cars; Vehicle design
• Old TRIS Terms: Car design; Safety research; Tank car construction materials; Tank car safety research and test project
• Subject Areas: Design; Railroads; Research; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00080291
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Association of American Railroads
• Report/Paper Numbers: R-128
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 29 1976 12:00AM