Abstract
The thermal radiation from a jet fire is the dominant hazard resulting from accidental natural gas releases from onshore pipelines or facilities. To assess the consequences to both individuals and equipment, we require models to estimate the incident radiation from the jet fire to the surroundings. Simpler models with shorter implementation and run times are more viable for use in a full probabilistic risk assessment, in which the number of scenarios assessed could number in the millions. However, the level of accuracy within these models must be considered to ensure a reasonably conservative estimate is produced. A review and comparison of semi-empirical models from literature was performed and used to develop a decision tree to recommend the most computationally efficient jet fire modelling approaches based on the release scenario, while maintaining reasonable conservatism. Options for both vertical and non-vertical releases are presented, as well as corrections for lift-off, wind, and buoyancy. Additionally, an efficient algorithm from the area of computer graphics was adapted and applied to a weighted multiple point source jet fire model to account for the reduction in incident radiation to a receptor due to topography or structures partially obstructing the view of the jet fire.
