| Risk Analysis
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The risk analysis services offered by Quest are a natural outgrowth of our expertise in consequence modeling and hazards analysis. By combining the probability of occurrence of hazardous events with the predicted consequences of those events, we are able to provide reasonable estimates of the risk associated with the operation of hazardous materials facilities.
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Quest provides the process industry with complete consequence and risk analysis services. These services are supported by:
- A staff of engineers with extensive experience in process, operating and maintenance, and safety issues.
- Comprehensive, documented consequence analysis models for predicting vapor cloud, fire, and explosion hazard footprints.
- A data base of process equipment failure rates.
- Software systems to manage site-specific population distribution and weather data.
- Integrated software systems to perform risk computations and create f/N curves, risk contours, and individual risk values.
Our risk analysis results have been presented and successfully defended in public hearings and accepted by regulatory agencies. This success reflects Quest's technical expertise and experience.
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Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA)
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Quantitative risk analysis (QRA) provides a numerical measure of the risk your facility poses to the public. It begins with the identification of potential hazardous events and determination of the probability of occurrence of each event. The consequences of each event are then calculated for numerous combinations of weather conditions and wind direction. These consequence predictions are combined with the event probabilities to provide numerical measures of the risk for the entire facility. Quest has developed proprietary software that we use to automate the process of calculating the consequences and combining them with the appropriate probabilities. This software accounts for the following variables:
- Multiple accident outcomes
- Population density and distribution
- Site-specific meteorological data
Quest can present the results of a QRA in a concise manner, using the following presentation methods:
- f/N curves (societal risk)
- Risk contours (individual risk)
- Risk tables (individual risk)
We also have experience and expertise in comparing QRA results to acceptable risk standards or quidelines established by various organizations around the world, and explaining these comparisons to you and other interested parties.
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Risk Ranking
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One of the semi-quantitative risk analysis techniques we use is risk ranking. This technique involves identification of hazardous events that could occur at a facility, quantification of the consequences of those events, and estimation of the relative probability of occurrence of each event. The probability estimates can be based on field inspections of the equipment that is the subject of the study, or extensive checklists that rank the various pieces of equipment according to factors known to affect the likelihood of equipment failure. The product of this type of study is a list of equipment or plant areas ranked according to the level of risk they pose. Studies of this type are a cost-effective way to determine which areas of your processing facility or pipeline pose the highest risk, allowing you to prioritize your risk reduction efforts.
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Experience in Consequence and Risk Analysis
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For more information about our Consequence and Risk Analysis Services, please contact us at info@questconsult.com.
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Related Publication:
Quantitative Risk Analysis of the Wahsatch Gas Gathering Pipeline System
Authors: John B. Cornwell and William E. Martinsen
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