Blow-off: a crucial safety feature

About the Project

A client in the heavy industry sector asked Vicoma to conduct a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study of the ground-level gas concentrations generated by a venting system.

This blow-off, a crucial safety feature designed to prevent overpressure in the system, vents gas from a fixed point at a certain height. To accurately predict gas concentrations in the potential impact area, Vicoma identified the key parameters: outlet pressure, flow rate, gas density, concentration, and local wind and weather conditions.

By combining this data, Vicoma performed a detailed CFD simulation that clearly visualized the risk area.

We evaluated three critical scenarios:

1. Maximum wind speed perpendicular to the blow-off outlet;

2. Minimum wind speed perpendicular to the blow-off outlet;

3. Maximum wind speed parallel to the blow-off outlet.

Vicoma’s Role

Vicoma guided the client through the entire process, from parameter definition to simulation and analysis.
We identified the key parameters and performed CFD simulations for the three different scenarios. Our study resulted in a detailed 3D representation of the blow-off system, which allowed us to clearly identify and illustrate the potential risk areas. Thanks to our thorough approach, the client was able to make safety-driven and well-informed decisions.

Result

Using our 3D simulation, we provided the customer with valuable insights into the dispersion of the gas mixture.
The analysis made it clear that ground-level concentrations exceeded safety limits.
The results provided the customer with a solid basis for reevaluating the blow-off system; this led directly to full compliance with safety standards and a demonstrable improvement in operational reliability.

In this way, Vicoma made a significant contribution to safer and more sustainable business operations.