Qualitative risk assessment of a Dual Fuel (LNG-Diesel) system for heavy-duty trucks

• We perform a qualitative risk assessment of a Dual Fuel (LNG-Diesel) system for heavy-duty trucks.
• We apply historical analysis, RBD, bow-tie analysis, FTA, FMEA, likelihood and consequence analysis, and risk matrix.
• At the date of our analysis, there was no information about accidents of similar Dual Fuel (LNG-Diesel) systems.
• We identify a set of safety measures (e.g. prevention and mitigation controls) according to the system's life cycle.
• The level of risk of the Dual Fuel system is similar to the level of risk of traditional diesel systems.

A Dual Fuel (LNG-Diesel) system can be applied to heavy-duty diesel trucks for achieving environmental benefits in comparison to existing diesel vehicles. Because of lack of reports about risk assessment of this technology, we performed a qualitative assessment based on a framework of some literature techniques for risk identification, analysis and evaluation. After constructing a Reliability Block Diagram (RBD) to establish the context, we conducted bow-tie analysis, Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), likelihood and consequence analysis, and used a risk matrix. We applied these methods and techniques qualitatively to identify causes (e.g. collisions), critical events (e.g. releases of natural gas), related consequences (e.g. fires and explosions), and different possible pathways from a specific cause to its consequence, and to assess some negative accident scenarios related to use and parking of the vehicle. The bow-tie analysis also allowed to make explicit barriers and controls that prevent critical events and/or mitigate consequences. Therefore, we identified a set of safety measures, including design, technical, management, and emergency actions, which shall be implemented in each step of the system's life cycle.Our risk assessment showed that the risk level of the Dual Fuel (LNG-Diesel) system is similar to the risk level of a traditional diesel system. Future research will overcome current lack of data and, therefore, permit a quantitative rating of the risk of the Dual Fuel (LNG-Diesel) system.