Accidental Vapor Phase Explosions on Transportation Routes Near Nuclear Power Plants: Final Report January – April 1977 (NUREG/CR-0075)

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Publication Information

Manuscript Completed: December 1977
Date Published: May 1978

Prepared by:
T. V. Eichler
H. S. Napadensky

IIT Research Institute
10 West 35th Street
Chicago, IL 60616

Prepared for:
Division of Engineering Standards
Office of Standards Development
U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC 20555-0001

Under FIN No. A 20057

Availability Notice

Abstract

This report presents the results of a study of the potential blast effectiveness of vapor cloud explosions for hydrocarbons released under accident conditions associated with transportation routes near nuclear plants. The objective is to provide a methodology for estimating TNT equivalency of accidents of this type in order that safe standoff distances for nuclear plants can be evaluated.

Results are presented that establish the maximum blast effectiveness that can be attributed to fuel-air explosions on the basis of thermodynamics and experimental data. A review of accidental vapor cloud explosions is included and comparisons are made to determine a realistic basis for evaluating an accident's potential destructiveness. It is hoped that this study contributes toward the resolution of the many inconsistencies that appear on this subject.