Physical Effects Consequence Modelling

The uncontrolled release of hazardous materials can trigger a wide range of physical consequences — from toxic gas dispersion and radiant heat exposure to explosion overpressures, smoke propagation, and mechanical impacts. These outcomes pose serious threats to personnel, the environment, and facility integrity, and must be quantified to support sound engineering decisions.

At PID, we specialize in modeling the direct physical effects of hazardous scenarios using a range of proven techniques — from empirical correlations and semi-empirical algorithms to advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) when detailed insight is required. We simulate flammable and toxic dispersions, fire and radiation patterns, explosion overpressure profiles, smoke movement, surface oil slick evolution, and structural response to impact energy and heat exposure. Our capabilities extend to complex release scenarios such as well blowouts and subsea hydrocarbon discharges, where multiphase dispersion, delayed surface slick formation, and environmental consequences must be accurately assessed.

Our engineers use internationally recognized tools to provide a tailored, project-specific approach backed by rigorous physics and validated methods.

Our services include:

• Site-based surveys and data gathering
• Jet fire, pool fire, and flash fire radiation modeling
• BLEVE and fireball explosion simulation
• Escalation effect assessment (e.g., thermal impingement, domino scenarios)
• Explosion hazard modeling (deflagrations and confined VCE’s)
• Toxic and flammable gas dispersion modeling (dense and buoyant releases)
• Multiphase dispersion, delayed surface slick formation, and environmental impact assessment
• Smoke and soot propagation modeling in open and confined spaces
• Flare and vent radiation and dispersion studies
• Dropped object impact energy analysis and structural consequence modeling
• Ship collision consequence assessment and structural integrity checks
• Transient thermal and overpressure load development for DAL evaluations
• CFD-based modeling of complex flow, radiation, and dispersion phenomena
• FEA-based analysis of structural response to blast and thermal loads
• Risk reduction strategy development and consequence mitigation planning
• Training courses