DISPERSION OF VAPOR FROM LNG SPILLS -- SIMULATION IN A METEOROLOGICAL WIND TUNNEL OF SPILLS AT CHINA LAKE NAVAL WEAPONS CENTER, CALIFORNIA

In an effort to extend the ability to accurately predict the consequences of large-scale accidental releases of hazardous chemicals, spill tests of ever-increasing magnitude are being planned and conducted. There is, however, a limit to the maximum size spill test which can feasibly be performed. Specifically, the prediction of vapor dispersion of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) resulting from an accidental release has prompted several large-scale field tests to be planned and conducted. To aid the planning and extend the value of the data obtained in the Coast Guard Fall '78 spill series, wind tunnel simulation was performed. Physical simulation of four, six cubic meter LNG spills was provided as part of the Coast Guard LNG Research Program within the overall Commercial Vessel Safety (CVS) Program. The wind tunnel simulation test series provided field test planning information, extended the value of a limited set of field measurements, and validated the concept of physical modeling of LNG plume dispersion. Used in conjunction with larger scale field tests, the physical modeling technique can potentially extend predictive capabilities beyond what can possibly be obtained from the largest full-scale field tests. As a result of this effort, the U.S. Department of Energy is utilizing wind tunnel simulation with its large-scale field test program in LNG safety research.

• Corporate Authors:

  Colorado State University, Fort Collins

  Fluid Dynamics and Diffusion Laboratory
  Fort Collins, CO  United States  80523

  United States Coast Guard

  2100 Second Street, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20593
• Authors:
  • Neff, D E
  • Meroney, R N
• Publication Date: 1979-3

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 90 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Fog dispersal; Liquefied natural gas; Simulation; Spills (Pollution); Vapors; Velocity; Wind; Wind tunnels
• Old TRIS Terms: Lng spills; Simulated lng spills; Vapor cloud dispersion; Wind velocity
• Subject Areas: Environment; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00316688
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: CG-D-15-80 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DOT-CG-75279-A
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 16 1980 12:00AM