Influence of wind direction on LPG tank leakage rule with FLUENT software

Based on an LPG storage tank, a 3D model is established with Ansys Fluent software to simulate the diffusion pattern and predict the explosion-hazardous areas after a leakage of propane under different wind direction. The results showed that the diffusion range was in the order of headwind>no wind>downwind, from the longitudinal point of view while the order was downwind>no wind>headwind from the crosswise point of view. In the range of human respiratory zone, the tread of the area covered by propane explosion limit was as follow: downwind>no wind>headwind. The direction of the wind changes the location of the explosion-hazardous areas. In the case of leakage, the escape route should be determined according to the wind direction and the evacuees' particular location. In practice, a mark could be made within a certain range around the storage tank to indicate the hazardous areas and serve as the escape indicator, which would provide a reference for personnel escape and rescue position in the danger of leakage.