CFD-Based Consequence Modeling for Jet Fire Release on the LNG Bunkering Ship During Replenishment: Predicting Personnel Injuries and Structural Damage

Abstract Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) remains a popular choice due to its widespread availability. However, LNG, stored in a volatile liquid phase, is susceptible to evaporation and highly flammable, which raises concerns regarding its safe transportation, storage, and utilization. Consequently, accidental releases of this flammable fuel pose potential risks to surrounding structures, including fires and vapor cloud explosions. Furthermore, it is crucial to address the risks to individuals and assets, particularly during bunkering or replenishment processes, which are critical events. This paper aims to identify the impacts of a jet fire release on both personnel and the ship’s structure during LNG replenishment at an LNG port facility. The study presents a case study involving the use of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model to simulate an immediate ignition of fire, employing the OpenFOAM solver. This approach enables the acquisition of a temperature profile within the ship’s structure. Subsequently, a regression tool, Random Forest, was employed to construct the temperature profile. This temperature profile can be utilized to identify potential structural failures. Various regression techniques were also employed for comparison with the Random Forest regression. Additionally, a heat dose profile emitted from the fire was used to estimate the probability of injury in the surrounding area. This paper outlines the entire procedure, encompassing CFD analysis, temperature load mapping, and the assessment of injury probability. The findings and recommendations are comprehensively addressed and discussed.