In some situations, the simplifying assumptions that must be made to allow practical modeling solutions to the analysis of consequences do not apply. In these cases, more detailed analysis is needed. In these situations the techniques of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) are required to find solutions to complex problems where other, simpler models are not appropriate. For these situations we turn to CFD.
Video: FDS Simulation of LNG Flowing through a Impoundment Trench, Speed:25X
For studies requiring CFD, Quest uses two publicly available, open source computer codes:
FDS is a CFD model of fire-driven fluid flow. FDS numerically solves a form of the Navier-Stokes equations appropriate for low-speed, thermally-driven flow with an emphasis on smoke and heat transport from fires. Quest has used FDS to model fires and the dispersion of LNG vapors spilled into impoundment trenches.
For situations that are not appropriate to use FDS, Quest uses OpenFOAM, a free, open source CFD software package developed and maintained by a commercial company, OpenCFD Ltd. Quest uses OpenFOAM to model vapor cloud dispersion and explosions in complex geometries.