Fire and explosion scenarios

CNPP carries out fire and explosion modelling based on experimental values, particularly in hazard studies. There are many types of hazardous phenomena which can be reconstructed:

Fires modelling

• Radiated thermal flow calculations (distance of effects associated with regulated flows, 8 and 5kW/m² for example), taking into account specific characteristics of combustible(s), configuration and type of storage, site topography, building features or procedures, etc.
• On-site possible domino-effect studies
• Calculations of temperature increase in structures
• Combative measures proposed (frontage heat shields, boundary walls and bunds, etc.)

Fire modelling are carried out for all types of storage, process or facility.

Fire modelling can be coupled with tests (fire behaviour test, pyrolisis rate measurement tests, real scale storage tests, etc.), in order to obtain coherent and justified results.

Explosion modelling

• Calculation of overpressure effects linked to premises explosion or an atmosphere of flammable gas (distance of effects asociated with regulatory overpressure, 140 and 50mbar for example) and zoning.
• Calculation of thermal and overpressure effects generated by BLEVE, UVCE, or fireball phenomena (boilover or slow pressurization of a tank containing hydrocarbons).
• Use of equivalent TNT model or TNO ‘multi-energy’ model according to the scenario (confined or non-confined explosion, presence of obstacles and clutter, solid or gaseous nature of the source).

Modelling by atmosheric dispersion

Contact:
Tel: 33 (0)2 32 53 64 33
laboratoire-feu.environnement@cnpp.com