RISK ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS DUE TO OIL TANK FIRE: A NUMERICAL STUDY

The global demand for oil and its derivatives has conditioned their storage in large-capacity reservoirs. However, regardless of preventive fire protection measures, their storage presents certain risks, including potential oil leaks and ignition. This paper examines a fire incident in an above-ground crude oil tank located within the storage area of the Pančevo Oil Refinery as a case study. The Large Eddy Simulation (LES) method of the Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS) software package has been used to investigate the effects of fire temperature and heat flux on the surrounding environment. The simulation results were used to assess how fire parameters influence the potential spread of fire to neighboring tanks and surrounding buildings. The dimensions of the potentially endangered zones around the refinery complex were determined by comparing calculated heat flux values with the valid standards for exposure to the heat radiation of fire. The results of this study are important not only for assessing the risk to nearby tanks containing oil derivatives but also for assessing human safety - both for individuals in close proximity to the fire and for firefighters and rescuers involved in firefighting operations.