HSE studies vapour clouds

UK HSE has released a report looking at the modelling of vapour cloud explosions. The report follows on from the investigation of the Buncefield oil depot explosion in 2005 and the awareness that there is a lack of knowledge of the mechanism by which vapour clouds can form during a tank overfill scenario. HSE sponsored a programme of experimental and modelling research to investigate the technical issues and develop methods of analysis.

The report, available here, includes HSE’s vapour cloud assessment method and some example cases. HCB  has covered the report in more detail; subscribers can find the article here.