Contribution to the assessment of effect distances of atmospheric dispersion: case study

Storage tanks are vital to the oil industry, functioning as essential components in the operation of oil fields. However, their strategic importance is accompanied by significant environmental risks, particularly due to atmospheric dispersion events. These events, characterized by the release and spread of pollutants such as aerosols, gases, and dust into the atmosphere, can stem from both human activities and accidental releases. The consequences are often severe, leading to considerable human, material, and ecological damage. Atmospheric dispersion of pollutants has emerged as a major environmental concern, especially within industries where storage tanks are integral to operations. This concern is magnified by increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks. Industries, particularly those operating within classified facilities subject to environmental protection laws, are now mandated to thoroughly identify, analyze, and assess potential accidental risks associated with their operations. These regulations are designed to mitigate the adverse impacts of such incidents, and this forms the object of this study. In this study, we concentrated on the T-403A/B/C storage spheres at the ALRAR gas complex. Utilizing dynamic consequence modelling with ALOHA software, it was possible to conduct a comprehensive assessment of potential pollutant releases in the processing area. This approach allowed to meticulously map out the hazardous phenomena linked to these scenarios and to develop targeted preventive and protective measures. The findings from this study highlight the critical need for rigorous risk assessments and the implementation of proactive safety strategies. By doing so, the environmental and operational risks associated with storage tanks in the oil industry can be significantly reduced. This research underscores the imperative of integrating advanced modelling techniques and stringent safety protocols to safeguard both the environment and industry operations.