Our White Papers

The main purpose of the Consequence Analysis phase to be developed during the execution of a risk-based quantitative assessment is to answer the following question: “Which are the impacts of identified hazardous scenarios?” This step is critical for estimating reliable and accurate effects / consequences from Loss of Containment scenarios (LOCs), avoiding unrealistic results that would directly impact on the decision-making process. Additionally, it is essential that Consequence Analysis includes the identification and quantification of ALL potential outcomes that a hazardous release may cause. Event Tree Analysis (ETA) methodology is a valuable tool for identifying all these potential outcomes. The present paper introduces the consequence analysis step by providing guidance on consequence modeling (i.e., source term characterization, dispersion of harmful gases/vapors, fires and explosions) and criteria for event trees development.

This paper compiles human vulnerability and structural damage criteria from well-known literature references for explosions, fires and dispersion analysis. In the first section, the manuscript addresses human vulnerability from explosions. Based on the contents described below, three parameters should be considered when evaluating human vulnerability due to overpressure: (1) overpressure, (2) impulse and (3) probit analysis.

This paper proposes a risk-based approach for identifying process equipment impacted by explosions with potential for escalation. The procedure is based on: (1) taking advantage of efforts conducted during the development of a risk-based quantitative assessment, (2) combination of exceedance curve with elasto-plastic Single Degree Of Freedom (SDOF) and pressure-impulse diagrams.

Escalation and domino effect triggered by fires is a well-known phenomenon that has caused past severe accidents in the process industry. This paper proposes a risk-based approach for domino effect analysis by combining Exceedance Curves (ECs) with Thermal Stress Dynamic Analysis (TSDA).

Fragment projection following vessel burst scenarios is a potential cause of domino effect and escalation in the Chemical Process Industry (CPI). This proposes a risk-based missile impact domino effect analysis based on current research and published literature.

The major concerns for anyone involved with risk assessment related to explosions is to estimate the explosion wave shape and the overpressure and impulse as a function of distance from the explosion.

This manuscript introduces the Single Degree Of Freedom (SDOF) approach for predicting the response of structures being impacted by an explosion. The concept of pressure-impulse diagrams is introduced and identified as a valuable tool to be used during the analysis of results generated during the development of a risk-based quantitative assessment.

This manuscript describes a risk-based approach with the aim to identify which occupied buildings in a process facility could be impacted by thermal radiation due to fires. This approach complies with API Recommended Practice 752 and 753 criteria and it consists of the following two steps:

A detailed risk-based approach is proposed for addressing flammable and toxic dispersions impacting occupied buildings. The approach is based on the results from a complete quantitative risk-based assessment, which provides the following information per each outcome impacting the target location under analysis:

The primary purpose of this paper is to provide tools, guidance and criteria for finding and appropriately using failure rate data needed to perform a risk-based quantitative analysis, as it is critical to understanding of failure rates, their origin and limitations.

All phases during the development of a risk-based quantitative assessment are important. However, hazard identification is a key step; a discipline that “establishes the game rules” and can be considered as the foundation for risk management; i.e., if a hazardous scenario is ignored, it will not be evaluated, directly affecting risk estimation results for realistic decision-making.

Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) are a specific layer of protection that requires detailed knowledge and criteria for proper definition and installation based on functional safety principles and associated standard requirements.

The Process Safety and Loss Prevention field was born out of the need to avoid personnel injury, i.e., workforce and public, property damage, environmental impact and operation interruption (i.e., economic impact, due to several relevant accidents during the last 50 years, e.g., Bhopal, Seveso, Buncefield, Flixborough, etc.).

This manuscript is intended to provide an overview of layers of protection capable of reducing the risk level of a given process facility, i.e., measures intended to prevent and/or mitigate the identified hazardous scenarios.

Risk-based quantitative assessment is accepted as a process safety management tool in many countries throughout the world. Risk-based legislation is implemented by national governmental bodies.