Leonardo Cotrufo

This paper addresses the critical issue of safely managing ammonia storage, focusing on consequence and risk modeling using Integral Models. Ammonia is increasingly considered an alternative for hydrogen storage due to its higher energy density, easier liquefaction process, and established infrastructure for handling and transportation. However, large-scale accidental releases pose significant challenges, primarily due to the toxicity of dispersed vapor clouds, while fire and explosion risks are less significant. The methodology involves evaluating different tank configurations under various scenarios, including Toxic Vapor Cloud, Flammable Extension Area, and Vapor Cloud Explosion.

Key findings demonstrate that implementing full containment tanks with bund protection significantly mitigates the risk of ammonia releases, reducing the impact area and the likelihood of hazardous vapor cloud formation. In contrast, single tanks without bunds expose populations to higher ammonia concentrations, potentially causing severe casualties. This study introduces the Containment Efficiency Ratio (CER), a critical metric for optimizing bund heights to maximize hazard containment. This ratio measures the containment efficiency per meter of bund height, providing a straightforward metric for safety assessment. The optimal bund height, informed by the findings, ranges between 7 to 8 meters, where safety and cost-efficiency align for the tank being studied.

Recommendations highlight the effectiveness of full containment tanks with bunding, regular maintenance, the use of corrosion-resistant materials, advanced monitoring systems, and comprehensive emergency response plans. Sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of these conclusions under varying conditions. The cost-benefit analysis supports the feasibility of these measures, emphasizing their effectiveness in minimizing the risk of ammonia releases. This strategic approach enhances safety management, aligns with regulatory frameworks and industry best practices, and addresses the urgent need for safer hydrogen storage solutions. The findings of this study are significant for advancing the safety of ammonia storage and have potential applications in improving regulatory standards and industry practices.