An update to the Baker–Strehlow–Tang vapor cloud explosion prediction methodology flame speed table

TLDR

The Baker–Strehlow–Tang vapor cloud explosion (VCE) blast load prediction method uses flame speed to gauge explosion severity, with prior guidance selecting speeds based on congestion, confinement, and fuel reactivity from empirical literature. This paper updates the flame speed table by reviewing recent medium‑scale VCE tests that revealed non‑conservative speeds for unconfined configurations. A joint industry program conducted medium‑scale VCE tests over five years to refine flame speed definitions for specific congestion, confinement, and fuel reactivity combinations. The tests showed that previously published flame speeds are non‑conservative for all unconfined configurations involving 3‑D flame expansion. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Safety Program, 2005.

Abstract

Abstract The Baker–Strehlow–Tang vapor cloud explosion (VCE) blast load prediction methodology uses flame speed as a measure of explosion severity. In previous publications, guidance has been presented for selecting flame speeds as a function of congestion, confinement, and fuel reactivity. These recommended values were based on empirical data available from the literature. Over the last 5 years, a series of medium‐scale VCE tests have been conducted through a joint industry program to better understand vapor cloud explosions and to allow a more accurate definition of the flame speed applicable to a given combination of congestion, confinement, and fuel reactivity. These tests have demonstrated that the previously published flame speeds are not conservative for all configurations for the case of no confinement (3‐D flame expansion). This paper provides an overview of the tests along with an update to the flame speed table where the previously published guidance was not conservative. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2005