Guidelines for Determining the Probability of Ignition of a Released Flammable Mass [Hardcover]

Complemented by an estimating tool spreadsheet based on a fixed set of chemicals to assist in risk estimations, Probability of Ignition of a Released Flammable Mass converts a best guess to a calculated value based on available information and current technology. The text documents and explains the science and background of the technology-based approach. The tool, when populated with appropriate data, yields an estimate of the probability that a defined release of a flammable material will ignite if exposed to an ignition source. This information can be used to make risk assessments with a higher degree of confidence than estimates made before and it provides valuable information for use in the development of a facility's Emergency Response Plan.

FORWARD XI

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Objectives 1

1.2 Motivation for this Book 1

1.2.1 A Brief History of Fire Protection 2

1.2.2 The Development of Risk-Based Approaches to Flammables Management 3

1.2.3 Difficulties in Developing Ignition Probability Prediction Methods 4

1.2.4 Missing Variables 5

1.2.5 Summary of Industry Needs and Path Forward 5

1.2.6 Applications for This Book 6

1.2.7 Limitations in Applying the Approaches in This Book 7

1.3 Ignition Probability Overview 8

1.3.1 Theoretical Basis for Ignition 8

1.3.2 Key Ignition Factors Related to the Properties of the Fuel, and Available Surrogates that can be Used for Developing Probability of Ignition Predictions 13

1.3.3 Key Ignition Factors Related to the Release Source 19

1.3.4 Key Ignition Factors Related to the External Environment After the Release 27

1.4 Control of Ignition Sources lƒ<