Dynamic resilience assessment and emergency strategy optimization of natural gas compartments in utility tunnels

Journal article (2022)

Authors

Y. Bai Safety and Security Science - TPM , China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing)
Jiansong Wu China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing)
S. Yuan Safety and Security Science - TPM
G.L.L.M.E. Reniers Universiteit Antwerpen, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Safety and Security Science - TPM
M. Yang Safety and Security Science - TPM
Jitao Cai China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing)
Research Group
Safety and Security Science (TPM) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2022 Y. Bai, Jiansong Wu, S. Yuan, G.L.L.M.E. Reniers, M. Yang, Jitao Cai
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2022.07.008
Natural gas Resilience assessment Utility tunnel Safety barrier Emergency strategy optimization
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Published Date

2022

Language

English

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Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Department

Values Technology and Innovation

Research Group

Safety and Security Science

Abstract

As a kind of critical infrastructure of energy transportation, so-called ‘utility tunnels’ have been developed around the world. Hosting a natural gas pipeline inside the natural gas compartment of a utility tunnel facilitates its maintenance but also brings potential explosion concerns due to the confined space. Although some work focuses on the risk analysis of the natural gas pipeline inside utility tunnels, a resilience assessment is needed for dynamically modeling leakage with interacting safety barriers. In this paper, a resilience assessment model of the natural gas compartment of utility tunnels is elaborated based on numerical simulation considering interacting barrier modeling, including sensors, a ventilation system, and the possibility of emergency shutdown. Based on the calculated (natural gas compartment) resilience for casualty and economic loss, ventilation strategies and sensor layouts can be recommended and optimization is possible. Meanwhile, the delay effect of safety barriers is investigated in this work, and the unequal interval layouts of sensors are explored and proven to be effective without any further cost. The proposed resilience assessment model can be important to further improve the safety management of utility tunnels and other confined spaces where hazardous gases are transported.