Safety distance analysis to prevent pipeline chain accidents

A framework for analyzing the safety distance between pipes is proposed in this study. To calculate the probability of a chain accident, the limit state function of reliability-based design and assessment is applied, and the reliability target is obtained using the risk criteria and the consequence model. As a result of analyzing these two results to calculate the safety distance between pipes, it is found that a greater safety distance should be kept in cases of the higher the pipe pressure, the larger impact force of the transport fluid, and the more dangerous fluid which has the greater consequence. The proposed study can serve as a systematic framework for recommending a safety distance, which allows for efficient and safe pipe management.