Reducing the risk of explosions on offshore structures

My work involves applying computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to solve various real life problems.When an explosion occurs on an offshore oil rig, there is nowhere to run to, so to minimise its impact, we have to find ways of venting it or getting rid of it. One way of achieving this is to design the panels on the processing structures so that they blow off when an explosion happens.

It is difficult and expensive to carry out practical tests on structures to optimise the designs so we use a theoretical approach. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) provides a way of modelling what will happen to provide safe and cost effective ways of dealing with explosions that occur. The results of these tests are fed in to the designs of offshore plants to reduce the risks of such a catastrophic occurrence happening again.

The Piper Alpha Disaster which occurred in 1987 demonstrated the necessity for this type of work. Many lives could have been saved if appropriate safety precautions had been in place.

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+44 1223 3 39722 Fax:

+44 1223 3 32662

Other environment related projects

Pre-mixed gas turbines