Consequence Analysis and Safety Assessment of an Ethylene Oxide Unit in a Petrochemical Complex

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Sayed Vahid Esmaeili 1
Reza Esmaeili 2
Ali Mohsenian 3
Ali Alboghobeish 1
1 Student Research Committee, Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 Student Research Committee, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3 Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
10.4103/ijehe.ijehe_7_24
Abstract
Aim: 
This study focuses on the consequence analysis and safety assessment of an ethylene oxide (EO) unit in a petrochemical complex. This study evaluates the potential consequences of process accidents in the tankage, tank truck loading, and cylinder filling areas of an EO unit.
Methods: 
The analysis was conducted using DNV’s PHAST software (2023), which models and quantifies the consequences of chemical releases by considering various factors such as material characteristics, storage tanks, weather conditions, and the number of people at risk. This study considers scenarios such as fire, flammable and toxic gas dispersion, and vapor cloud explosion.
Results: 
The results provide insights into the safety measures and precautions required in different areas of the petrochemical complex. The analysis of hazard zones allows for the prioritization of protective measures and ongoing monitoring of operational hazards.
Conclusion: 
This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the consequences and risks associated with the use of the EO unit in a petrochemical complex.
Keywords
Consequence analysis
ethylene oxide
petrochemical complex
PHAST
safety assessment
International Journal of Environmental Health Engineering (IJEHE)
Volume 2024, July
2024
Pages 1-13

  • Receive Date 30 April 2025