Methods of improving the fire and explosion safety of operation of liquefied hydrocarbon gas transportation tanks

Introduction. The problem of fire and explosion safety of liquefied hydrocarbon gas transportation arose in the 1970s. The task was set to design new generation tanks having improved technical and economic parameters and indicators to ensure fire and explosion safety. The co-authors have conducted the analysis of regulatory documentation covering the fire and explosion safety of hydrocarbon gas transportation tanks, which shows the absence of any unified policy in the design of cars designated for hazardous cargoes. Hence, a number of models, having no or insufficiently effective protective devices, are produced. Therefore, the issues of fire and explosion safety were understudied in the earlier research works on design of railroad cars, and the problem has not been resolved. Principal actions aimed at the fire and explosion safety of hydrocarbon gas transportation tanks were implemented by the Russian University of Transport (MIIT). Statistical information on fire hazardous failures and fleet tank accidents, as well as their detailed investigation has been collected. Tank barrel vulnerabilities have been identified; reliability and durability assessment methods have been developed. Priorities for improving the pressurized tank design are outlined. The following items of work have been performed: ● analysis of statistical data on hazardous cargo transportation accidents, ● development of fire hazard emergency scenarios; ● improvement of “Railroad car analysis and design regulations”, ● development of mathematical models designated for the analysis of tanks, ● identification of an unstable temperature field inside a tank barrel, if in the seat of fire, using non-linear heat conduction equations and the finite element method (FEM), ● identification of the stress-strain state of a tank barrel during a fire. Conclusions. Following the completion of the work performed by the Russian University of Transport (MIIT), hydrocarbon gas tanks have obtained a better barrel emergency impact protection. A unified policy in the design of cars for hazardous cargoes is needed and regulatory documentation requirements must be harmonized.