Inherent thermal runaway hazard evaluation method of chemical process based on fire and explosion index. (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Juncheng, Jiang; Dan, Wei; Lei, Ni; Gang, Fu; Yong, Pan
• Is Part Of: Journal of loss prevention in the process industries. Volume 64(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: Thermal runaway hazard assessment -- Chemical process -- Fire and explosion index -- Hazard class; Chemical industries -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; 660.2804
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jlp.2020.104093
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-4230

Abstract

Abstract: Thermal runaway hazard assessment provides the basis for comparing the hazard levels of different chemical processes. To make an overall evaluation, hazard of materials and reactions should be considered. However, most existing methods didn't take the both into account simultaneously, which may lead the assessment to a deviation from the actual hazard. Therefore, an integrated approach called Inherent Thermal-runaway Hazard Index (ITHI) was developed in this paper. Similar to Dow Fire and Explosion Index(F&EI) function, thermal runaway hazard of chemical process in ITHI was the product of material factor (MF) and risk index (RI) of reaction. MF was an indicator of material thermal hazards, which can be determined by initial reaction temperature and maximum power density. RI, which was the product of probability and severity, indicated the risk of thermal runaway during the reaction stage. Time to maximum rate under adiabatic conditions and criticality classes of scenario were used to indicate the runaway probability of the chemical process. Adiabatic temperature rise and heat of the desired reaction and secondary reaction were used to determine the severity of runaway reaction. Finally, predefined hazard classification criteria was used to classify and interpret the results obtained by this method. Moreover, the method was validated by case studies. Highlights: The evaluation idea of F&EI was analyzed and applied to assess thermal runaway hazard of chemical process. Method that integrated the thermal runaway hazard of materials and reactions was proposed. Case studies of six chemical processes were conducted for illustration.