Numerical Simulation of Large Crude Oil Storage Tank Fire under Various Wind Speeds

In order to analyse the influence of the wind speed on the fire characteristics and hazards of large crude oil storage tanks, this paper used the fire dynamics simulation software FDS to simulate the fire of a large crude oil storage tank under various wind speeds. The fire characteristics such as flame, smoke and temperature distributions of the tank under different wind speeds were studied. The thermal effects on the adjacent tank and the way that the firefighters cool the hazardous area were discussed. The results show that with the increase of the wind speed, the flame, smoke and temperature distributions shift and spread downwind. When tank fire occurs, the firefighters should set up movable firefighting water gun near the dangerous area and lay fire water hose to the burning tank and its neighbours, which provides a good preparation for the subsequent firefighting operation near the burning tank.