Combining Integral CFD and QRA tools

A multi-faceted approach to risk assessment is the key to ensuring industrial safety. Integrating various modelling techniques can provide a more comprehensive understanding of potential hazards and their consequences. Here, we will explore how combining integral models with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models can create a powerful and holistic risk assessment and mitigation approach.

Hybrid approach

By merging the capabilities of EFFECTS and FLACS, users can take advantage of a hybrid calculation method that capitalises on the strengths of both tools. EFFECTS can be employed for free-field consequence modelling or preliminary screening and quick evaluation of various scenarios, while FLACS offers in-depth analysis of specific locations where obstacles significantly influence flow.

Incorporating consequence results into RISKCURVES

RISKCURVES serves as a versatile platform for quantitative risk assessment by combining consequence data from various modelling approaches. It can import and process consequence results from multiple sources, including EFFECTS and FLACS, enabling comprehensive risk evaluations. This capability allows users to perform detailed consequence analysis with tools like FLACS, and then import the results into RISKCURVES for thorough risk assessment, leading to a more accurate and extensive understanding of potential hazards. Currently, RISKCURVES accepts only symmetrical impact footprints for import, but future updates will support more complex dispersion patterns. This enhancement will further improve the tool's flexibility, allowing for more nuanced risk assessments, particularly in scenarios involving intricate geometries or variable environmental conditions

Advantages of the Combined Approach

Using EFFECTS, FLACS, and RISKCURVES together provides several advantages:

Efficiency: Quick initial assessments with EFFECTS, followed by detailed analyses with FLACS.

Comprehensiveness: Detailed 3D simulations and precise consequence modelling.

Seamless integration: Integration of detailed consequence data into risk evaluations with RISKCURVES.

By combining these tools, users can achieve more efficient, accurate, and comprehensive risk assessments.

Conclusion

At Gexcon, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the most comprehensive risk assessment tools possible. By integrating integral, empirical, phenomenological, and CFD models, we can offer a powerful and holistic approach to understanding and mitigating industrial hazards. This combined modelling approach not only enhances the accuracy of our risk assessments but also empowers our clients to make data-driven decisions that ultimately lead to safer and more resilient facilities.