An investigation into factors increasing contamination risk posed by fuel storage facilities and concomitant methods to mitigate these risks.
Year: 2013
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (LNAPLs) are used throughout the world for numerous applications, \nthe most well-known being automotive fuels, such as petrol and diesel. The widespread production, \ndistribution, storage and use of LNAPLs results in the ubiquitous occurrence of spillage to ground (Geller \net al, 2000). Considering the hazardous nature of most LNAPLs due to their explosive and toxic \ncharacteristics, releases of LNAPLs to ground have well documented human health and ecological \nconsequences. \nThe occurrence of leaking underground and above-ground storage tanks at service stations and consumer \ninstallations is a common cause of contamination; and is described in literature for various countries of \nthe world (Dietz et. al., 1986; Moschini et al, 2005; Mulroy and Ou, 1997; Harris, 1989; The Institute of \nPetroleum, 2002). \nLittle failure data are however available for the South African context. In addition to this, data \nconcerning the location and characteristics of sites storing LNAPLs in South Africa is similarly scarce. \nThe study analysed data from three sources, namely the eThekwini Fire and Emergency Services data, \nGIS data and data from a local consultancy, in order to determine whether certain factors increased \ncontamination risk posed by these facilities. The results indicated that contamination may be a result of \nnumerous factors, but primarily line and tank failure. The type of installation was also found to have a \nsignificant influence on whether a site would be contaminated or not. \nIn addition to the above, the results indicated that certain circumstances increase the severity of loss. \nThe results indicated the need for more investigation to be performed into contamination as a result of \nLNAPL loss to ground, and the need for protective measures to be implemented for high risk sites where \nthe likelihood and severity of a potential loss is high. Focus should then be centred on the probability of \nfailure of non-ferrous pipework and GRP tanks to ensure adequate protective mechanisms are in place in \nthe event of a failure of this newer infrastructure. \nIn addition, a review of regulatory control of LNAPL storage in South Africa and the eThekwini \nMunicipality, with reference to the international context, indicated the need for a specific department \nwithin the local government structure that manages LNAPLs with the objective of reducing \ncontamination incidents. \nThe continued use of underground storage of LNAPLs will always present a risk of failure/contamination \ndue to the unseen nature of the installations and related infrastructure. It is this risk that requires \nregulatory management. Details of contaminated sites in South Africa should be within the public \ndomain.
Author: Torin. Pfotenhauer
Language: English
Topic: Risk and Safety Analysis
Subfield: Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1571667677