A survey of vapor cloud explosions: Second update

Abstract

Abstract Since publishing a listing of vapor cloud explosion incidents in 1977 and 1983, Industrial Risk Insurers has maintained an active database on these incidents. This second update gives the available data and reference sources on all known incidents. Modeling of blast effects of vapor cloud explosions has evolved in recent years. The multi‐energy method is very promising but presently only models quiescent clouds. Losses show that quiescent dispersion of clouds is not always realistic. Explosively dispersed clouds or violent dispersion of clouds have occurred recently. Very powerful explosions have resulted. As an insurance company trying to evaluate worst case scenarios, it is essential that research focuses on the modeling of explosively dispersed clouds or very turbulent clouds. The applicability of the multi‐energy method or the development of new methods for turbulent clouds should be investigated.