Modeling and Assessing the Consequences of Oil Pipeline Leakage Using PHAST Software: A Case Study; Jarahi River in Southwest of Iran

Background: The aim of this study was to model and assess the consequences of an oil pipeline leakage using PHAST software: a case study involving the main 36" pipeline passing over the Jarahi River. This pipeline spans the distance between Ahvaz-Omidiyeh, covering 85 km from Ahvaz to Omidiyeh, specifically the Meshrage section, situated above the crossing bridge of Meshrage. The Jarahi River encompasses approximately one kilometer of the study area for this investigation. Methods: The failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) method was utilized to design various scenarios after identifying high risks using available documents. Subsequently, the PHAST software was employed to simulate the effects of pipeline leakage and determine its secure perimeter. Relevant information was inputted into the software, and the results were obtained in diagram form based on the selected scenarios. Conclusion: The study evaluated the consequences of pipeline leakage and the dispersion of materials into the environment across three categories: impacts of materials dispersed into the environment, explosion, and fire development. The secure perimeter for each of these scenarios was determined. Finally, risk reduction strategies for the investigation were presented.