CFD-based methodology for onshore petrochemical control room layout

A 2-step approach was proposed, in which the CFD-tool FLACS was used to estimate the layout of control room in onshore petrochemical. The initial step was to carry out a “worst-case” simulation by evaluating the consequences if a full stoichiometric gas cloud was ignited. As a second step, if potential consequences of the initial step was unacceptable, mitigation measures could be considered. Simultaneously, a coal gasification factory was selected as an illustrative example to show the application of the approach. The overpressure of several Vapor Cloud Explosion (VCE) scenarios on the six potential control room positions nearby three mainly assessment units were analyzed. The comparison results indicated that the optimal layout of control room would be arranged in West-North (WN) position. The water spray system should be provided in the unit of sulfur tolerant shift for decrease the VCE blast on control room.