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Simulate green fuel leak scenarios using CFD to assess dispersion behaviour and support safety decisions

Green fuel leak simulation supports safety managers, engineers and compliance officers working in production plants, storage facilities, harbours and transport systems where hydrogen, ammonia or methanol are handled. When leaks or spills occur, dispersion behaviour can be difficult to predict, making risk assessment challenging. 

Unclear dispersion behaviour delays risk assessment 

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations enable the modelling of gas and liquid leakage and dispersion in a controlled virtual environment. By analysing how substances spread under specific conditions, the service provides a clearer basis for evaluating flammability, exposure and safety scenarios. This enables teams to progress with documented input for ATEX zoning, ventilation design and hazard assessments. The service is part of our expertise area Simulation and CFD for energy-, process- and production systems.

CFD simulation of a green fuel leak from a ship near a harbour, showing a coloured gas dispersion plume spreading towards nearby buildings with concentration levels indicated at different distances.
Simulated dispersion from a green fuel leak in a harbour environment, showing how concentration levels decrease with distance from the source.

Challenges

When handling green fuels, the uncertainty in leakage behaviour and dispersion outcomes makes risk assessment and safety planning difficult.

Unpredictable gas dispersion complicates risk evaluation 
Leakage scenarios involving hydrogen, ammonia or methanol can behave differently depending on environmental conditions, making it difficult to determine how gases spread and where risks occur. 

Unclear basis for ATEX zone classification delays decisions 
Without accurate data on dispersion and flammable volumes, defining hazardous areas may rely on conservative assumptions, leading to uncertainty in equipment selection and safety design. 

Limited insight into ventilation and detection performance 
It can be unclear whether existing or planned ventilation systems and gas detectors are sufficient to manage leakage scenarios, increasing the risk of ineffective safety measures. 

Benefits

Gain documented dispersion insights that support risk assessment, safety and regulatory documentation