Remote areas in the UK rely on LNG (liquefied natural gas) as the primary fuel supply for homes and businesses.
Industrial facilities in these areas, particularly those with significant energy requirements, benefit from having large stores to both minimise the potential for loss of supply and also to reduce the frequency of tank filling, which introduces additional risks in both transportation to the site and the unloading operation itself.
However, large stores fall into the scope of additional, more stringent Regulations and subsequently attract greater interest from the Regulator.
Gexcon Consulting recently worked with the UK’s first-ever multifunctional LNG storage facility located on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. The facility is located at a fish feed production factory and therefore presents a very different level of risk than the primary operations.
Though the operator has experience with LNG storage facilities at other European sites, the fact that this facility was located in the UK presented additional challenges in terms of regulatory compliance. This plant is considered to represent a test case for similar facilities going forward in the UK, representing the minimum industry standard for large LNG storage facilities.
Using 3D CFD tools for accurate modelling in areas of density
At the time Gexcon became involved, the facility was preparing the second submission of the COMAH (UK implementation of Seveso) Safety Report, requesting Gexcon’s support in the predictive (risk assessment) and technical (ALARP demonstration) aspects of the Report. However, it was important to first take a step back and review the current design.
FLACS was used to conduct detailed jet fire and dispersion modelling, providing much more accurate insights into the spread of flammable clouds and the impact of terrain, optimising the selection and design of additional risk reduction. Using a 3D CFD tool has significant advantages in the modelling of dense gas dispersion which was particularly important for this facility due to the coastal location and surrounding terrain, with the site being located within a former quarry.
The predictive aspects of the COMAH (Seveso) Safety Report were completed using Gexcon/Shell FRED and Shepherd, supported by the FLACS modelling, all of which were well received by the Competent Authority. This was followed by the development of BowTie diagrams to form the basis of the ALARP demonstration, again a tool that is very valuable in providing a clear and concise representation of the barriers in place to reduce the risks associated with Major Accident Hazard scenarios.
Following the submission of the Safety Report, the operator worked with the Regulator to achieve a final design that encompasses both good practice and best practice for a facility of this nature, prompting some interesting discussions along the way.
To see how Gexcon further supported this facility, download our case study
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