Contribution to the Analysis of the Toxic Ammonia Cloud Dispersion Associated with Pipeline Catastrophic Rupture case study of Arzew Oran

Abstract

As part of its activities related to accidental risk, The Fertial factory in Arzew must determine safety perimeters around industrial facilities. For example, during a loss of containment on a facility, the risks involved can be instantaneous such as the explosion of flammable products or delayed like toxic releases. This research work focused on the fate of a toxic cloud formed after an accidental release of liquid-stored ammonia (NH3) under pressure. The study of atmospheric dispersion of ammonia presents the main importance since this chemical is very toxic, corrosive, flammable, and explosive under certain conditions. To remind, the loss of containment of a 22-tonne tank of ammonia on 24 March 1992 at DAKAR resulted in numerous deaths (129 deaths and more than 1.100 injuries), including some several weeks after the accident due to the toxic nature of ammonia. This work aims to analyze the risks presented by installations using ammonia quantities of up to a few dozen tonnes and supplement the knowledge on the atmospheric dispersion of ammonia in an open and congested environment or be able topropose measures to assess the levels observed in the region andto provide elements to local actors to initiate improvement actions.