(122b) Comparative Risks Associated with the Transport of LPG By Pipeline, Railcar, and Tanker Truck

Quantitative Risk Analysis and
Comparison of LPG Releases from Pipelines, Tanker Trucks, and Railcars

Daniel
Denslow, John Cornwell

Quest
Consultants Inc.

908
26th Ave NW, Norman, OK 73069

Abstract

Accidental releases from LPG transport vessels and
pipelines can cause devastating damage and loss of life.  When a release occurs in equipment that
handles LPG, the highly pressurized system can flash into vapor phase, causing
a rapidly expanding flammable vapor cloud containing LPG vapor, air, and liquid
LPG aerosol droplets.  A release from
isolated LPG vessels such as railcars and tanker trucks can cause a boiling
liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE). 
Due to the potential hazards associated with transport of LPG and the
fuel's ever-increasing demand, it seems prudent to compare the risk associated
with different forms of transportation of LPG. 
Consequence simulations are performed using CANARY by Quest in order to
model the effects of LPG releases from pipelines, tanker trucks, and
railcars.  The results of the consequence
analysis are combined with accident, failure, and release frequency data for
the specific equipment employed for each transportation method.  This will allow the transportation risk
associated with pipelines, railcars, and tanker trucks to be compared.

Keywords

LPG, release, pipeline, tanker truck, railcar,
CANARY

Contact

dbd@questconsult.com