Quantitative evaluation of the domino effects of the explosion caused by the CNG fuel station using consequence modeling and GIS

Introduction: compressed natural gas stations are one of the most critical and dangerous urban land uses and should be highly regarded. The domino effects of accidents are essential concepts in urban areas. The present study aims to analyze explosive domino accidents at compressed natural gas stations (CNG). Modeling the consequence in fuel stations can minimize the likelihood of a crisis and losses. Material and Methods: This study was conducted by Process Hazard Analysis System Tools (PHAST), which evaluates the effects of risks on compressed natural gas stations. Methane gas was used as fuel material in this study. This Modeling was carried out by determining the scenario and explosion model based on the atmospheric parameters, and adjacent land uses. Domino effects are analyzed in two aspects, physical and demographic, in three stages: consequence modeling, risk analysis by the QRA model, and overlapping the explosion wave using the geographical information system. Results: The results showed that the explosion wave expanded up to 500 and the most damage to individuals and equipment occurred within 140 meters, so those present in the area will suffer great damage due to the blast wave pressure. There is no serious threat in the more than 100 meters from the explosion wave, and the safety radius is 500 meters. Risk assessment showed that social risk was unacceptable and that measures should be taken to reduce risk. The use of GIS software was very effective in the explosion. Conclusion: As the results, it is inferred that analyzing cascade accidents at compressed natural gas stations before the crisis can reduce physical and demographic losses. Applying the PHAST and GIS model helped determine the explosive radius of the estimation of adjacent land uses and the number of vulnerable people.