Domino Modeling of Process Events using the Graph Method and the Minimum Evolution Time Algorithm with Visibility Coefficient in Oil Product Storage Tanks in Sabzevar Region

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Arak University, Postal Code 38156-8-8349, Arak, Iran

Abstract

One of the most critical threats to the safety and stability of process units is the occurrence of domino events triggered by fires or explosions. Accurate prediction of the temporal and spatial evolution of such events is therefore essential for safe facility layout design and emergency response planning. This study presents a dynamic numerical framework to forecast the spatio-temporal progression of fire-induced domino events in a cluster of petroleum product storage tanks located in the Sabzevar region. The model integrates the minimum evolution time algorithm with a graph-based structure to visualize tank ignition sequences. The heat radiation capability (HRC) serves as the primary escalation indicator, while a visibility coefficient is incorporated to refine the representation of thermal radiation transfer between tanks. Implemented in MATLAB, the model accepts inputs including tank geometry (type, dimensions, volume), product properties (burning rate), geographical coordinates, and HRC values derived from PHAST software, experimental data, or theoretical correlations. It supports both atmospheric and pressurized tanks (cylindrical or spherical) with no restrictions on tank count or layout complexity. Outputs include spatio-temporal event sequences, graphical overlays on offline satellite maps, and time-evolution tables. The results demonstrate high computational efficiency, enabling rapid data generation for emergency decision-making, quantitative domino risk assessment, and optimal tank placement.

Keywords

References

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Chemical Process Design
Volume 5, Issue 2
December 2026
Pages 48-62

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