Risk Curves Manual

TNO Safety software
RISKCURVES
Version 9
Quick Start Guide and User Manual
TNO Built Environment & Geosciences

Department of Industrial and External Safety
Princetonlaan 6
PO. 80015
NL-3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
Fax. +31 88 86 62050
Email:helpdesk.riskcurves@tno.nl
2013 TNO
RISKCURVES
2013 TNO
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the author be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused
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Contents
Table of Contents
Foreword
Chapter I Introduction
1 TNO software
...................................................................................................................................
products
7
2 Installation
................................................................................................................................... 8
System requirem
..........................................................................................................................................................
ents
8
The protection..........................................................................................................................................................
key
8
Installation and..........................................................................................................................................................
de-installation
8
Upgrading from..........................................................................................................................................................
previous versions
8
3 What ...................................................................................................................................
is RISKCURVES
12
Which task can
..........................................................................................................................................................
RISKCURVES perform
12
What is the required
..........................................................................................................................................................
input
13
What kind of results
..........................................................................................................................................................
are obtained?
13
Chapter II Quick Start Guide
21
1 A new...................................................................................................................................
Graphical User Interface
21
2 The concepts
...................................................................................................................................
behind the tree nodes
22
3 Quick...................................................................................................................................
start: Create a new project
27
1 Add a background
..........................................................................................................................................................
m ap
28
2 Verify calculation
..........................................................................................................................................................
settings
28
3 Define m eteorological
..........................................................................................................................................................
conditions
29
4 Define population
..........................................................................................................................................................
distribution
30
5 Define Stationary
..........................................................................................................................................................
or Transport equipm ent locations
36
6 Add Scenarios
..........................................................................................................................................................
to equipm ent location
37
7 Entering consequence
..........................................................................................................................................................
m odel set data
39
8 Perform ing ..........................................................................................................................................................
the risk calculation
41
9 Evaluate results
..........................................................................................................................................................
of the calculation
42
10 The use of ..........................................................................................................................................................
Cum ulation sets
43
11 The use of ..........................................................................................................................................................
Com parison sets
44
12 The use of ..........................................................................................................................................................
Analysis points
44
Chapter III The user interface in detail
47
1 Menu...................................................................................................................................
bar
49
2 Toolbar
................................................................................................................................... 50
3 Project
...................................................................................................................................
tree
52
4 CalculationSet
...................................................................................................................................
definition
54
5 Equipment
...................................................................................................................................
definition
55
6 Scenario
...................................................................................................................................
definition
56
7 Analysis
...................................................................................................................................
points
58
8 Result...................................................................................................................................
panel tabs
59
9 Graph...................................................................................................................................
display panel
60
Presenting Model
..........................................................................................................................................................
Results
61
Base functionality
..........................................................................................................................................................
graphs
62
10 (Autohide)
...................................................................................................................................
Scenario selection panel
64
11 Command
...................................................................................................................................
button panel
65
12 Node ...................................................................................................................................
input panel
66
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RISKCURVES
13 Graph...................................................................................................................................
selection box
67
14 Profile
...................................................................................................................................
expert button
68
15 Map display
...................................................................................................................................
panel
69
Presenting geographic
..........................................................................................................................................................
calculation results
71
Positioning equipm
..........................................................................................................................................................
ent
73
Map functionality
.......................................................................................................................................................... 73
16 Report
...................................................................................................................................
panel
76
17 Model...................................................................................................................................
log panel
78
18 Legend
...................................................................................................................................
panel
80
Chapter IV Advanced features
83
1 Options
................................................................................................................................... 83
2 Display
...................................................................................................................................
units
85
3 Presentation
...................................................................................................................................
settings
87
4 Expert
...................................................................................................................................
Parameter settings
89
5 Meteorological
...................................................................................................................................
distribution
91
6 Vulnerability
...................................................................................................................................
settings
92
7 Environment
...................................................................................................................................
settings
93
8 Accuracy
...................................................................................................................................
settings
94
9 Chemical
...................................................................................................................................
Databases
95
Chem ical database
..........................................................................................................................................................
editor
96
Selecting a chem
..........................................................................................................................................................
ical from the database
97
View ing/Editing
..........................................................................................................................................................
properties of chem icals
99
Chem icals convertor
.......................................................................................................................................................... 104
10 Mass...................................................................................................................................
and volume calculator
105
11 Mortality/probit
...................................................................................................................................
calculator
106
12 Geo-referencing
...................................................................................................................................
images
107
13 Risk ...................................................................................................................................
transects
110
Chapter V Technical backgrounds
113
1 QRA...................................................................................................................................
Definitions
113
Calculation Set
.......................................................................................................................................................... 113
Calculation Settings
.......................................................................................................................................................... 113
Accuracy param
..........................................................................................................................................................
eters
113
Vulnerability..........................................................................................................................................................
param eters
116
Environm ent..........................................................................................................................................................
param eters
120
Meteorological
..........................................................................................................................................................
data
121
Population .......................................................................................................................................................... 121
Equipm ent .......................................................................................................................................................... 122
Scenario
.......................................................................................................................................................... 123
Modelset .......................................................................................................................................................... 123
Cum ulation set
.......................................................................................................................................................... 123
Com parison..........................................................................................................................................................
set
123
Analysis points
.......................................................................................................................................................... 123
Dam age definition
.......................................................................................................................................................... 124
Societal Risk.......................................................................................................................................................... 125
Individual Risk
.......................................................................................................................................................... 125
Iso Risk Contours
.......................................................................................................................................................... 126
Societal Risk..........................................................................................................................................................
(FN) Curve
127
Project file .......................................................................................................................................................... 128
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Contents
SR Maps
.......................................................................................................................................................... 128
2 The ...................................................................................................................................
consequence models within a modelset
133
Gas release .......................................................................................................................................................... 134
Gas release
.........................................................................................................................................................
from a vessel or pipe
134
Gas release
.........................................................................................................................................................
from a long pipeline
135
Liquefied gas
..........................................................................................................................................................
release
136
DIERS top.........................................................................................................................................................
venting (vessel only)
137
Vapour release
.........................................................................................................................................................
from vessel or pipe
138
Pressurized
.........................................................................................................................................................
liquefied gas release from vessel or pipe
138
Spray release
.........................................................................................................................................................
of pressurized liquefied gas from vessel or pipe
139
Instantaneous
.........................................................................................................................................................
flashing liquid release
141
Liquefied .........................................................................................................................................................
gas from long pipeline
142
Liquid release
.......................................................................................................................................................... 143
Pool evaporation
.......................................................................................................................................................... 144
Atm ospheric..........................................................................................................................................................
dispersion
146
3 Model
...................................................................................................................................
input parameters
149
4 Combined
...................................................................................................................................
models
150
5 Cumulation
...................................................................................................................................
of sources
152
Chapter VI Appendices
157
1 List of
...................................................................................................................................
chemicals
157
2 Low ...................................................................................................................................
level error messages
158
3 Known
...................................................................................................................................
limitations
160
Index
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Introduction
Introduction
This manual is delivered in Adobes PDF-format. You are free to print the manual for your
own use with respect to the license conditions of the software.
You can access this manual directly from within the software from the Help menu or via the
installed entry in the Windows START-menu.
If you discover any omissions, errors or inconsistencies, we kindly ask you to contact us
directly via email (helpdesk.riskcurves@tno.nl) or use the built-in email feature accessible
from the About box.
1.1
TNO software products

TNO Department of Industrial and External Safety delivers two different software products:
EFFECTS and RISKCURVES. This manual describes the RISKCURVES product that is
currently available for safety related calculations.
Within the Risk Calculation Core, many EFFECTS models are used for calculation of the
consequences. For that reason, some parts of this manual also reflect to those EFFECTS
models.
EFFECTS
EFFECTS performs "consequence" calculations to predict the physical effects (gas
concentrations, heat radiation levels, peak overpressure's etc.) of the escape of hazardous
materials. Results are presented in either textual or graphical format.
Models in EFFECTS are based upon the Yellow Book, third edition, second print 2005 [1].
EFFECTS can also model complex releases by linking individual models in such a way that
they describe all physical phenomena that may occur during that release. For example a
liquid release will consist of a release model, connected to an evaporation model, which is
then linked to a dispersion model that calculates the concentration profiles in the
environment. Finally it might be linked to an explosion model to calculate the ultimate effects
due to peak overpressure's or heat radiation if the chemical is flammable and ignites.
RISKCURVES
RISKCURVES is a fully-featured computer program to perform Quantitative Risk Analysis
(QRA). It is capable of calculating individual risk, societal risk, and consequence areas of
multiple potential accident scenarios. Scenarios can be entered either as a predefined
damage zone, or be calculated by internal consequence models. Furthermore, scenarios can
be defined on one location (as a "stationary" equipment), or on a route (as as a "transport"
equipment).
RISKCURVES wil also analyse risk by means of the most dominant contributor, construct all
types of societal and individual risk curves, display risk contours, calculate transport risk per
kilometer of route and visualise relevant data in its GIS viewer.
More information about RISKCURVES can be obtained from our sales department.
Contact via email: info.riskcurves@tno.nl or http://www.tno.nl/RISKCURVES.
2013 TNO
RISKCURVES
1.2
Installation
1.2.1
System requirements
RISKCURVES 9 is developed for the Windows 7 OS platform. It will also run on Windows XP
or Vista platforms, but some features and screen layout are less optimal. There are no
special requirements with respect to memory or disk space other than a free USB-port to
accommodate the protection key. For more complex calculations, RISKCURVES benefits
from additional internal memory and a faster processor. RISKCURVES 9 runs on Windows 7
64-bit as a 32 bit application and has been thoroughly tested on 64 bit environment.
1.2.2
The protection key

To prevent unauthorised use, the software is protected with a special protection key
(dongle). The dongle should be connected to a free USB-port of the PC during use of
RISKCURVES. The protection key represents the ownership of the license and will only be
replaced by TNO if proven defective. In case of loss or theft of the key, replacement is the
sole responsibility of the user.
The protection key is remotely programmable by TNO and contains information about the
owner and specification of the granted license (program, version, options etc.). Before its first
use or if the license conditions change (due to the purchase of an upgrade or additional
option), the key will need to be reprogrammed once. This process requires access to email
functionality and instructions will be included with the delivery of the software.
1.2.3
Installation and de-installation

Installing and de-installing the software needs sufficient administrative rights to do so. You
may need to contact your IT-department for support on this requirement. Apart from
installation, administrative right are not required.
The software comes with a full-featured setup program. Please follow the instructions
carefully and make sure the protection key is NOT inserted during installation. The default
driver for the protection key that is installed is from Hasp/Sentinel. If the same driver but in a
newer version is required by another software program, the installation for RISKCURVES can
be omitted. If in that situation RSIKCURVES does not recognise the protection key correctly,
please contact the TNO helpdesk: helpdesk.riskcurves@tno.nl
De-installation is done by selecting the appropriate entry in the installed program group under
the Windows START menu. Alternatively, one can use the "Uninstall" option within the
"Programs" group in the windows control panel.
1.2.4
Upgrading from previous versions

The projects of RISKCURVES 9 are not backward compatible with previous versions 7.
Depending on the version of the project, one or more steps are necessary to convert the
project to the format of RISKCURVES 9. Note that the previously stored calculation results
will not be included in the converted project. In cases where a calculation model has newly
added input parameters in the converted version, these fields will show up empty. Pressing
Defaults will fill-in the default values without overwriting the already entered fields.
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Introduction
Upgrading from RISKCURVES 7

Projects
RISKCURVES differs in project file format from RISKCURVES 7. The new files are identified
by their .riskcurves extension. The RISKCURVES 7 project files use the .clc extension.
To use RISKCURVES 7 projects in RISKCURVES 9, they need to be converted with the
RISKCURVES Project Converter. The converter can be started from the Windows START
menu under RISKCURVES , or in the Windows file explorer by right-clicking on an
RISKCURVES 7 project file and selecting convert.
Once the required RISKCURVES 7 project file is selected, clicking the Convert button will
create a new project file suitable for RISKCURVES in a definable project folder. The original
RISKCURVES 7 file will not be overwritten. All input needed to recalculate will be included,
including population and meteo definition. Rresults are not converted since they are probably
not valid since the calculation accuracy and method has changed.
Note that some models in RISKCURVES 9 require additional parameters compared to
RISKCURVES 7. Furthermore, the damage definitions have more strict checking on the
definitions than the previous consequence interfaces. The new RISKCURVES now requires
to use increasing distances for decreasing lethality levels. Due to this test, some translated
scenario's might be presented in red, indicating wrong or missing input.
By default all scenarios with input data will be converted.
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RISKCURVES
User defined chemicals

RISKCURVES 9 uses a new database model. User chemicals defined in previous versions
have to be converted using the Database Converter. This converter can be found in the startmenu "Chemicals Converter".
To convert user defined chemicals from your old database (.rdb file), start the converter and
click 'Open File'. Select the database file with your user defined chemicals and click 'Open'.
You can now select chemicals in the left-hand list, and drag them (or click the '>>' button) to
the right-hand list: this will import the selected chemicals into the new database labeled as
user-defined chemical. The right-hand list will show you all chemicals in the new user
database.
The filter field can be used to search for chemicals.

If you've imported too much chemicals by mistake, you can delete them later in the Database
Editor.
Upgrading from RISKCURVES 4 (DOS version)

There is no build-in support for RISKCURVES project older than version 7.
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Introduction
11
To be able to use version 4 input files, it is advised to convert these input files by the update
procedure of RISKCURVES 7 itself. This will provide a RISKCURVES 7 (.clc and .inf) format
file, which can be read within the new RISKCURVES 9.
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1.3
RISKCURVES
What is RISKCURVES
RISKCURVES is a computer program package to perform a Quantitative Risk Assessment
(QRA) for activities with hazardous materials. Risk is defined in this context as the
probability per unit of time (frequency) that humans in the vicinity of the hazardous material
may suffer lethal consequences due to an unwanted release.
A Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) analyses the risks of accidents involving with
dangerous substances, resulting in lethal victims, injuries and/or material damage to
surroundings. In order to be able to compare risks, quantitative values are given for Individual
Risks and Societal Risk.
RISKCURVES uses an intuitive modular approach, allowing the use of topographic maps or
aerial pictures to define potential Loss of Containment Scenarios. Advanced geographic
presentations can be created by using the internal GIS presentation system. Based upon the
Yellow Book [1], Green Book [2], and Purple Book [3], the effect and consequence models
included within RISKCURVES provide a sound, scientific and transparent basis to perform a
QRA.
The number of degrees of freedom for a QRA is huge. The publication CPR 18E (Purple
book: Guidelines for quantitative risk assessment) provides important guidelines on choosing
equipment, (Loss of Containment) scenarios to be evaluated, effect-calculation models and
background information like meteorological data.
Al information from this Purple Book is implemented within RISKCURVES, providing a
coherent and consistent QRA calculation tool.
1.3.1
Which task can RISKCURVES perform

In a QRA specific accident scenarios are defined, specifying subsequent events. For
example: an outflow, pool formation, evaporation, dispersion eventually leading to lethal
effects.
The calculation of chances and effects of the identified events will lead to quantitative values
for Individual Risks and Societal Risks. Individual Risk are usually presented as Iso Risk
Contours: lines on a topographic map which represent point with equal PR value: e.g. the
10-6 contour.
RISKCURVES is capable of performing physical effect, probability and consequence
calculations to calculate individual and societal risk. It can also calculate risk caused by the
transport of hazardous materials. It facilitates data entry and presentation of the results by
using a highly visual approach. Results are presented by means of individual risk contours,
societal risk curves (FN-curves) and optionally provides Societal Risk Maps. (A Societal Risk
Map is a visualisation of the societal risk at a specific location: illustrating either absolute level
or relative contribution at that location).
The number of degrees of freedom for a QRA is huge. The publication CPR 18E (Purple
book: Guidelines for quantitative risk assessment) provides important guidelines on choosing
equipment (so-called sub selection method), the typical "Loss of Containment" scenarios to
be evaluated, effect-calculation models and background information like meteorological data.
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Introduction
1.3.2
13
What is the required input

The typical questions to be raised when performing a QRA are the What and Where
questions: What are the typical Loss Of Containment (LOC) scenarios, and where are they
situated. The geographic location of the scenario will also determine the specific
environmental parameters: temperature, pressure, humidity, surface roughness (influencing
dispersion) and meteorological data (probability of wind coming from specific direction with
specific speed and specific stability class).
Within CPR-18, it is prescribed which equipments and which scenarios should be evaluated
within a QRA. Within RISKCURVES, the user can simply add any equipment which is
present within the system boundaries of the site to be studied. The location of the equipment
needs to be provided as equipment coordinates or a route. It is strongly advised to use a
digital background map of the area as underground. Once the equipment is positioned,
RISKCURVES can add the corresponding LOC scenarios (G1, G2, G3), including the failure
rate frequencies and event or phenomena dependent probabilities.
A LOC scenario is provided as a pre-calculated consequence zone, called damage definition
(previous version used the indistinctive term Consequence Interface) or as a consequence
calculation model. For the latter case, EFFECTS consequence models are being used within
the calculation core of RISKCURVES. It is also possible to copy / paste EFFECTS end model
calculations into a RISKCURVES scenario.
In general, the following information is required to perform a QRA:
1. Definition of one or more accident scenario(s) which includes the applicable frequencies of
the accident scenarios. RISKCURVES 9 now distinguishes an equipment: containing the
location of a possible event, the possible scenario's at that equipment: defining the
frequencies, and an underlying modelset: defining the damage zones.
2. Definition of Meteorological probability distributions: this includes stability class / wind
directions; for multiple stability classes (Pasquill A..F) and wind sectors. When unknown,
a standard (equal) distribution can be used.
3. It is very convenient (but not obliged) to use a digital background map to position the
scenarios and use as a background layer when presenting results.
4. Environmental conditions typical for the location of the study area (temperatures, humidity,
solar radiation) need to be provided.
5. Vulnerability conditions describe relations between phenomena and resulting damage
(lethality).
6. In case of societal risk calculations you will need a population distribution
1.3.3
What kind of results are obtained?

RISKCURVES will perform all chance, effect- and damage/consequence calculations
according to CPR 18E, and will calculate the Individual Risk and Societal Risk.
A person who is on a specific location will have a chance to be a lethal victim of an accident
at installation A and an accident at location B. Both chances can be added together and
presented on a geographic map as Iso Risk Contours.
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RISKCURVES
The individual risk criteria assumes 100% presence and an unprotected situation outside. A
so-called Iso Risk Contour can be drawn by connecting all points with equal Individual Risk.
The Individual Risk can also be presented in a so-called FX curve, which presents the
fraction lethal versus distance from the release point, for different wind-directions.
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Introduction
15
Risk contours are available on the level of a calculation set, cumulation sets, comparison
sets and individual equipments.
A Risk transect can be provide for a specific line track. Such a transect will provide the risk
as a function of the place along this track.
So called analysis points can be added a any location to present Risk Ranking reports at that
spot. Such a report will present a ranking of all scenarios based on their contribution to the
(individual) risk at that point.
The Societal Risk Curve (FN-curve) presents the cumulated risk that a group of specific size
will be killed. The FN curve is depicted as a two dimension graph, using a logarithmic scale
on frequency F (Y-axis) and number of victims N (X-axis) axiss. The curve is interpreted
using a Guide value, which is a line that should preferably not be crossed. RISKCURVES
will present a Guide Ratio R value, indicating the distance to this guide value (a guide ratio
>1 implies exceeding the guide line), and also presents the Expected value E which is the
size of the area below the FN curve.
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RISKCURVES
A FN curve appears to be not very easy to understand or explain. The curve is the result of
spatially distributed risk sources that may influence a geographically distributed population
distribution, whereas the result only present a curve. Questions that often raise are: Do we
have a problem and Where is this problem or What is causing this problem. To be able
to answer these kind of questions, a Societal Risk Map was developed and these
presentations are now available within RISKCURVES 9.
Two different maps can be presented: the SR area map, which indicates whether the guide
ratio is higher than one on a specific spot. The SR area map illustrates affected zones, and
height of the societal risk at a specific spot.
SR (Societal Risk) Maps is basically a geographical "Area Specific Societal Risk"
presentation of a societal risk, being a two dimensional curve.
As a result of the demand for a visualization of the societal risk, a new type of presentation
was developed in 2007. The question was raised when a societal risk calculation is fed with
geographical based information on population, and geographical based scenario locations,
why can we not see a geographical distribution of the societal risk.
Such a presentation would be very convenient for emergency response (were are the people
who are threatened by accident) or urban planning activities (how much space left for
population without exceeding societal risk limits: the guide value)
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Introduction
17
To provide answers to both question two types of graphs were developed: the Societal Risk
Area Map and the Societal Risk Contribution map.
The Societal Risk Area map gives an indication of which areas are affected and
the height of the risk
whereas
The Societal risk Contribution Map gives an indication which cells contribute
to the societal risk
The bases for the presentation is that every grid cell from the population grid has its own FN
curve. In the case of the Contribution map, this curve relates to the victims within this
population cell. The higher the risk of this cell (expressed as the expected value of the curve)
the more red the color will be.
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RISKCURVES
For the contribution map, the expected value is used to translate the two dimensional FN
graph into a color. The type of coloring can be adjusted, it appears that using a 6 color levels
(use legend ) provides the best contrast, but other coloring might improve the visualization.
This way the curve represents the full societal risk of scenario's for the area. Note that this
area bounded FN curve will never exceed the overall FN curve for all cells.
For the societal Risk Maps it is important to understand that the risk is determined from the
receivers point of view (instead of from source).
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Introduction
19
Furthermore, because of the nature of the method, cumulating of various risk sources is
possible: transport & stationary installations, small & large scenarios
The idea behind this new type of visualisation is that this provides a supplementary view of
what is happening, and the maps facilitate considering societal risk in early stage of planning
process:
- the SR Area map shows areas with restrictions
- the SR Contribution map shows which areas contribute most (emergency response)
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RISKCURVES
The underlying FN graphs per location, that are use to derive these map presentations, are
presented for every "Analysis (risk ranking) point". The societal risk at the location will display
the FN curve of all scenarios that are affecting this location, the contribution FN graph will
display the FN curve for the population within the population grid cell.
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Quick Start Guide
21
Quick Start Guide

This guide gives you the opportunity to quickly get acquainted with the possibilities of
RISKCURVES by defining some simple examples and tasks, and explaining the operation of
the software from a users point of view.
The guide is not a detailed reference guide, nor a complete how to user manual but helps
user to quickly understand the concepts of RISKCURVES version 9.
At any time you may refer to the full technical reference manual which is provided with
RISKCURVES, or consult the built in help system by pressing <F1> for more detailed
information.
2.1
A new Graphical User Interface

Compared to the previous version 7, the graphical user interface (GUI) of the program has
been completely redesigned. Version 7 used a calculation phase dependent Tabbed
interface, which tended to obscure input.
The new RISKCURVES 9 uses a tree view oriented user interface, which reflects the
hierarchy of input data. Furthermore, the screen layout resembles the GUI of the latest
version of our consequence tool EFFECTS: The left hand side of the screen is input, and
right hand side present (tabbed) results, dependent of the active (currently selected) item.
The new interface provides intuitive methods for copying and pasting user definitions (such
as scenarios) but remains uncluttered and clean. Access to standard actions, such as
adding or deleting nodes is provided by context menus (popup menu: right mouse click) and
standard shortcuts (Del, Ctrl-C, Ctrl-V).
The standard screen is divided in three parts: a (hierarchical) tree view, an input parameters
panel, and a (tabbed) result panel. The input and results panel always reflect their contents
to the active (selected) node of the tree. Switching from active node will also change the
contents of the input and result panels, eliminating the use of a present or edit button.
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RISKCURVES
The top of the main form contains typical menu items, providing conventional access to main
functions and a toolbar. The left bottom side contains the three main buttons < Clear>, <
Defaults> and < Calculate>.
2.2
The concepts behind the tree nodes

The hierarchical tree view which illustrates the input, contains some important concepts or
typical definitions, which will be introduced in more detail below.
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Quick Start Guide
23
The top node, called Riskcurves Project is a typical placeholder of all user input. The project
corresponds to the information stored in a typical file, reflected by the name of the node. The
name of the topnode reflects the current project filename.
The caption style of a node also reflects the current state: italics imply "not calculated yet", a
red caption indicates incomplete or wrong input.
The tree view illustrates the hierarchy which is automatically occurring while defining input for
a QRA:
A calculation set is a typical input definition for a single QRA calculation: it contains all input
that influencing the result. Since users often want to compare the change in risk due a
modification (of population, scenarios), a RISKCURVES project can contain multiple
Calculations Sets in one project (and thus file).
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RISKCURVES
Results of a calculation are influenced by their general parameters, which are combined in
Calculation settings; these settings will be applied to all scenarios belonging to the
calculation set.
Furthermore, the calculation of a Societal Risk requires the definition of a population
distribution. Population is always associated to a calculation set, and can be defined as a grid
(cell based distribution) or polygons (geometric shapes containing population).
The equipment node is used to define the geographic positioning of scenarios; a typical tank,
vessel, installation or transport route can be defined at this level. Note that the background
map can be used to select a coordinate or define route points.
Each equipment can contain multiple scenarios: for vessels typical scenarios may include a
leak, a full bore rupture, and a catastrophic (instantaneous) release scenario. Each scenario
however, has its own failure frequency, describing the chance of this accident happening,
and consequence description.
RISKCURVES is capable of using its own internal (EFFECTS) consequence model, which
can be a fire model, dispersion model or explosion model, but users can also define a
damage definition. These Damage definitions can be used to enter results from consequence
calculations from external models, or use damage zone definitions which may be
standardised or prescribed by authorities.
Copying and Pasting of Nodes
The use of the hierarchical tree node allows the possibility to copy scenarios (same leak on
another installation), copy equipments (same set of scenarios belonging to a vessel copied to
another location) , or even copy entire calculation sets (same calculation but with altered
frequency, population etc).
A calculation set is a combination of system setting, a meteorological definition, population

and accident (Loss of Containment) scenarios definitions for which Individual Risk and
Societal Risk are being calculated.
A calculation set will have results in terms of Individual Risk Contours and Societal Risk
Graphs and Societal Risk Maps.
modification (of population, scenarios), RISKCURVES can contain multiple Calculations Sets
in one project (and thus file).
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A calculation set always contains the sub nodes Calculation settings, a Meteo data node,
Population (if societal risk calculation is required), stationary equipment and transport
equipment, because these contents together determine the result of a calculation.
Calculation settings is a typical collector or grouping node.
It doesnt have its own parameters, but combines several groups of parameters, to be applied
to all input contained in a calculation set. Typical parameters are Accuracy describing
parameters influencing calculation accuracy and speed, Vulnerability settings describing the
relation between physical phenomena and damage (lethality), and Environment parameters,
describing ambient temperature, humidity, solar radiation etc. for the typical location.
The meteorological data definition contains the choice for the meteorological station to be
used. Any meteorological data set contains probabilities for typical weather classes (Pasquill
stability class, wind-speed, day or night) occurring at the location (see meterological
distribution). The number of weather classes defined will determine how many damage
definitions / consequence models are contained under a scenario (e.g only D5 and F2 or 6
different classes!).
Population definition node contains the definition of population by means of grids (a matrix
like definition of cells) or polygons (area definition with number of inhabitants).
Population can be added by using the Population Import Wizard, or by manually adding a
polygon and defining an are with population. See defining Population.
The total cumulation of all grids and polygons under the grouping node will be used to create
a total population grid, used within the calculation sets Societal Risk calculation.
Both day an night grid will use a separate "Inside fraction" determining the fraction of the
people that are inside houses and have a some degree of protection (see vulnerability
settings)
When using "temporary polygons", it is possible to use a dedicated "inside fraction" and
"utilization fraction" (a presence factor).
Temporary population can be used to include the presence of large crowds (e.g. festivals,
sport events) during a FRACTION of the time. This is particular relevant if large numbers of
people are outside (thus unprotected).
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Note: When using many (say more than 10) temporary polygons that can be exposed to the
same event (when they are close to one another, so within the potential lethality footprint of a
single event), this procedure can get time consuming because all potential combinations of
these areas need to be evaluated !!!. As an example, just for three temporary population
areas we need to evaluate: A and B and C exposed, A and B exposed, A and C exposed, B
and C exposed, only A, only B , only C, and no area (just base population) exposed, where
every combination has its own probability of occurrence!!
Equipment: a location or route on which scenarios are being analysed (distinguishing

STATIONARY and TRANSPORT equipment). Note that these nodes can be expanded, they
are placeholders or grouping nodes for a list of coordinates, or routes.
Scenario: a Loss Of Containment scenario occurring at an equipment (either a stationary

location or a transport route), which has a specific failure frequency, and contains
consequence definitions: a description of the scenario in terms of substance, quantities,
release situation or resulting damage.
A Modelset is the placeholder for the actual consequence definition. It contains either a
damage definition or consequence calculation, which is defined for a number meteorological
conditions
It is possible to define altered input values for specific weather class conditions by selecting
the weatherclass from the combobox.
A cumulation set can be used to make a dedicated cumulation of risk sources that does not
contain all equipment or all scenario's, presented corresponding SR or IR results.
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Simple right click the cumulation node and select < Add Cumulation set> . The corresponding
input panel allows to select or deselct any scenario or equipment from the list.
A Comparison set allows to compare results for Calculations Sets or Cumulation sets; it will
provide multiple graphs and contour.
2.3
Quick start: Create a new project

The first step in performing a QRA with RISKCURVES is creating a project.
Start RISKCURVES (see Installing the software and starting RISKCURVES) and choose
File | New from the main menu or press the
New project toolbar button. The user is
asked for a project name, and an empty project tree will be created.
To create and run a QRA calculation, the following steps need to be taken:
1. Add a background map
2. Verify Calculation settings
3. Define meteorological conditions
4. Define population distribution
5. Define Stationary or Transport equipment locations
6. Add Scenarios to equipment location
7. Entering consequence model set data
8. Performing the risk calculation
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9. Evaluate results of the calculation

10.Optionally, define Cumulation sets , to make a subset of scenarios
11.Optionally, define Comparison sets , to compare different calculations or cumulations
12.Optionally, define Analysis points, to compare risk at specific locations
2.3.1
1 Add a background map

The use of a topographic background maps is very useful and highly recommended. Got to
the background node and select < Right mouse> < Add background>. A new (Red) node will
be created. Select the node and use the browse button in the input panel to select a
background file. Currently supported formats are: JPG, PNG, BMP, TIF and TIF as pixel
oriented files, and DXF and SHP as vector formats.
Note that pixel formats require the use of a ESRI worldfile to be able to determine scale and
location of the image, whereas the vector formats SHP and DWG already include scale and
position information.
RISKCURVES supports the use of multiple backgrounds, so a background can be composed
of adjacent or overlapping images.
2.3.2
2 Verify calculation settings

Without any additional user input, RISKCURVES will perform calculation with default settings
for Accuracy Vulnerability and Environment parameters.
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The Environment block is most likely to be modified since it describes typical environmental
conditions applicable for the region were the QRA is to be performed: parameters like
ambient temperature, water temperature, humidity, surface roughness, solar radiation flux,
latitude and cloud cover are country and even location dependent.
The values that are entered here will be "pushed" into each modelset that will perform a
consequence calculation.
One can define or alter default environment to be used when creating a new project by using
menu Edit Options Default environment.
2.3.3
3 Define meteorological conditions

The probability of a risk occurring at a specific location is highly influenced by the probability
of the wind blowing from the accident location towards that location. In order to take this into
account, a meteorological definition has to be supplied. Meteo data consists of the definition
of typical Pasquill stability class with a wind speed (e.g. D5 or F2), the probability of that class
occurring, and the probability for the wind-directions for that class and is applicable for the
region where the scenarios are to be defined. This data is usually supplied by meteorological
station at airports etc. and can be predefined for met-stations at your country.
A new meteo-station definition can be added under menu Edit, Option default meteo
distribution and the browse button:
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All definitions that are provided in Options can be selected in the combobox in the input panel of the Meteo data node:
Once a meteo station location has been entered, the red label will turn to black, illustrating
that acceptable input has been provided.
Note that the provided (Dutch) meteo station definitions all contain 6 weather classes, but it is
also possible to use only two any other number of different Pasquill classes. Using only two
classes imply that calculation time will be reduced since the consequence models need to
perform two calculations.
The spatial distribution of occurance of specific wind directions can be visualised in a
windrose view
2.3.4
4 Define population distribution

This step is only required if a user wants to calculate societal risk, which includes risk of
actual exposed population. Population always distinguishes separate population during day
and population at night definitions.
To add population, select the <Total population> node and use < Right mouse> <Import
Population> or < Add Population Polygon>.
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Note that as of version 9, it is possible to combine multiple grids or polygons; the resulting
end population will be created on the base of ALL grids an polygons defined in the yotal
population node, using the defined population grid cell size.
Population import Wizard

A population grid can be imported from an ASCII based grid, ESRI grid format (provided by
local authorities) or the previous RISKCURVES Vs 7 .POP file.
Apart from grid based input files, population can be also created from polygons loaded a
shape file.
To import an external grid, select the "import population" from the popup menu at a population
node.
Follow the suggestions by either selecting a Population Grid (cell based distribution) or
select Population Polygons, which are separate area definitions that can be edited
separately after importing. When using highly detailed shape files, containing real "building"
descriptions, it is advised to translate this into a grid (because of the huge number of shapes
these files can contain), when using "region based" shapes, it can be useful to import these
as separate polygons.
For grids, the type of file to import needs to be defined: it can be an ESRI grid , ASCII / CSV
table, RISKCURVES Vs 7 POP file or created from a Shape file.
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An ESRI grid file contains a header, describing the dimensions (number of rows, columns
and cell size) and location (position of lower left corner) of the grid, followed by the grid values
themselves. The header also contains a <NoData> value, which is treated as empty cell, this
value is often defined as as -999 or -9999.
A version 7 POP file also contains the complete grid definition including location and
dimensions.
An ASCII table assumes the data to be available as separate lines, containing X coordinate,
Y coordinate, Population, possibly separated by spaces or other delimiting characters. The
import screen offer the possibility to define the decimal separator, and a field separator
character, and to skip one or more header lines.
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A SHAPE file contains descriptions of polygons with population info about those regions:
When using a shape file as a grid, all shapes will be combined into one grid based definition.
This requires the definition of a grid cell size and selection of fields for daytime / nighttime
population.
After importing the file, the boundary definitions of the grid can be provided by defining lower
left and upper right corner of the grid:
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Population Polygons
A population polygon is a definition of areas with specific population information, they can be
created by drawing a shape on the background map or importing a shapes from a SHAPE
file.
Importing polygons from SHAPE file
When importing a shape file as polygons, all shapes will be added separately as population
polygons.When defining by means of a shape file, the fields containing relevant info in the
shape tables need to be defined. Select the name of the field containing the description of the
region, and the field that contains the number of people (day/night). Furthermore, the
population value provided can contain a density (value is population per area: select the
corresponding unit by using the right mouse button on the units description) or an absolute
number of people.
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After importing polygons, it is possible to edit the shapes, and potentially define specific areas
as "temporary population", which implies that a specific utilization fraction can be entered.
These Temporary populations are intended for usage in special situations like festivals,
sport events or other situations where non-permanent presence of large amounts of people
can occur during a FRACTION of the time. This is particular relevant if large crowds are
outside and have no protection by houses.
The usage of multiple "temporary" population polygons also implies that that multiple areas
can be affected by an event, leading to the situation of combination of victims. The current
calculation procedure also checks for potential occurrence of MULTIPLE Temporary (even if
they have 100% presence) populations, and accounts for the potential PROBABILITY of
multiple polygons being exposed, with potential COMBINED NUMBER OF VICTIMS.
Manual definition:
Zoom in on the area of interest (use mouse wheel for zooming, right mouse drag for moving
the map) and select the edit button. Start pinpointing coordinates on the map, thus defining
the shape (polygon) of the habituated area. Select the edit button when definition is finished
and enter the number of people within this area during day and during night. For standard
usage select is temporary as NO.
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Give the polygon or grid a specific and recognizable name: select the population polygon, and
click on the text population polygon or press <F2> to be able to modify the name of the
branch.
Note: Renaming a tree node can also be used on Calculation Set, Equipment or Scenario !
2.3.5
5 Define Stationary or Transport equipment locations

Select the Stationary equipment branch and use < Right mouse> <Add Equipment> .
Rename the Equipment using <F2> or selecting the string and provide a useful descriptive
name.
Select the map view, zoom in to the location where the equipment is placed, hover the
mouse to the exact location and select <Right Mouse> < Set Release point> . The current
world coordinates of the mouse will be entered in the input fields X coordinateand Ycoordinate of release. Select the Show release point toolbar button
location with a label and cross on the map.
to illustrate the
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Transport equipment: Select the Transport equipment branch and press <Right Mouse><Add
equipment> and again rename the Equipment using <F2> or selecting the string and
provide a useful descriptive name.
. Select the map view and zoom in to the area where the route is to be defined. Press the
Edit button in the transport equipment input panel and start pinpointing route points on the
map. Watch all route coordinates being added to the table when selecting route points on the
map.
Finish the route definition by pressing End Edit again. Note that it is still possible to manually
modify the coordinates. The correction factor column can be used for switches on railroad
tracks or locations where a local altered failure frequency needs to be applied.
2.3.6
6 Add Scenarios to equipment location

Once stationary equipment locations or transport equipment routes have been defined,
typical LOC (Loss Of Containment) scenarios belonging to the equipment can be added.
Select the equipment and press <Right Mouse><Add scenario> and select the type of
scenario to be added from the branch of models:
EFFECTS models are consequence calculations performed by single phenomena

consequence models. They can either be based on atmospheric dispersion of toxic or
flammable gasses or based on heat radiation (Bleve , poolfire of jetfire phenomena).
Combined models support multiple phenomena; if a material is both flammable and toxic, or
direct and delayed iginition can occur, these combined LOC model chains will distinguish
several phenomena.
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The combined models are supplied for Gaseous, Liquid and Two phase materials, and are
available for specific release cases. A release can be either an instantaneous release (called
G1 scenario in the Purple Book), a release within 10 minutes (G2 scenario) or a leak scenario
with a specific hole size (G3 scenario). If the user doesnt know the state of , one can select
the Unified LOC model, which determines the state itself, and provides a choice to evaluate
Damage definition s can be used to enter pre-calculated consequence areas. The damage
models are also dedicated to a specific phenomenon.
Another possibility to add scenario is by using the floating panel: Select an equipment node,
and hover the mouse over the white line on the left border of the RISKCURVES window. A
model selection panel will unfold, illustrating different possibilities by family name:
After the scenario has been added, the definition itself needs to be provided.
A scenario definition consists of two elements: a frequency part and a consequence part.
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The tree visualises this as two nodes of the scenario: the scenario node and the
corresponding (consequence) modelset. For a scenario, main parameters are base
frequency (expressed as chance of occurrence per year), a possible correction factor (which
can be used to represent risk reduction actions), and a daytime fraction. The daytime fraction
can be used to express the situation that an activity only takes place during day or night time.
By default, this fraction should be the average occurrence of daytime situation, according to
the meteorological data definition (e.g. for Netherlands 44% is daytime). If another fraction is
used, this implies that the activity is predominantly shifted into day or night time.
Combined models also require entering a fraction for direct ignition, delayed ignition, BLEVE
and explosion phenomenon. For single phenomenon models, is it assumed that this fraction
is already included in the base frequency. Pressing the < Defaults> button will quickly enter
feasible frequency / probability values here, but is not advised because failure frequencies
tend to be very specific for the typical situation.
2.3.7
7 Entering consequence model set data

Dependent on the type of model (single phenomenon model, combined model or damage
definition) a dedicated input parameter list will be presented. An first example is provided for a
BLEVE damage definition:
This input is defined by a fireball radius (100% lethality inside and outside), a 35 kW/m2
radius (same lethality as within fireball), and a lethality versus distance response table which
defines unprotected outside lethality.
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This lethality table needs to be entered in a logical ascending distance / descending lethality
order.
If input is invalid, the table caption will turn red.
Note that the weatherclass combobox can be used to define either ALL (default) or ONE
specific meteorological condition. Start with entering all (Default), and IF specific damage
distances occur (such as expected in case of toxic dispersion phenomenon), select
distinguished weather classes and enter dedicated distances.
Note: If a weather class specific parameter is displayed in a blue color, it means that it is
identical to the default situation. This illustrates the fact that in the background this parameter
is linked to the default model (see EFFECTS for details about model linking)
A consequence model definition is basically identical to an EFFECTS model definition: the
input panel displays all relevant input parameters. In fact, it is also possible to copy/paste
EFFECT end models into RISKCURVES. (An end models implies that the model ends up
with any lethality information, eg. a single outflow model is no end model)
The number of required input parameters for an EFFECTS model can be changed depending
of the setting of complexity: Simple, Normal or Expert. The three toolbar buttons on top of the
main window
will define this state. It is advised to start using Simple mode,
which only requires main parameters (Chemical, amount of material released) to be entered,
and only use Normal or Expert if one wants to divert from standard method. In Expert
mode, all parameters that influence the result of the calculation are shown, providing the
possibility to alter parameters like ambient temperatures or other default value parameters
defined in System Settings.
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If an EFFECTS model has been selected as scenario type, this consequence model will be
calculated for a number of weather conditions, equal to the typical Pasquill classes defines in
the meteo data node. This results in a Set of models in which every model can have specific
input. The weather class dedicated input can be accessed by selecting the appropriate
weather class from the combobox.
Note that the way the scenario node is displayed, reflects the current state:
-
a red scenario means data is incomplete or incorrect
an italic presentation means that input has changed and the node needs to be (re)
calculated
a blue presentation of a specific weather class model implies that the data is linked to
the default weather class model
2.3.8
8 Performing the risk calculation

After defining scenarios a calculation can be performed. The calculation can be started by
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pressing the <Calculate> button on the bottom of the screen. Dependent of the number of
(modified or uncalculated) scenarios, a calculation can take seconds, minutes or hours for
large (hundreds) scenario sets.
Note that consequence (EFFECTS) models will not be recalculated if only a location or
frequency has been changed, a scenario will not be recalculated if only location changed, and
equipment is skipped if nothing has changed etc. Only modified input needs to be redone,
where the calculation of a societal risk, which is a accumulation of several scenario/
equipment contributions, will always be redone.
During calculation, several progress bars will be presented, to give an idea about the current
progress status. If for some reason, a scenario or equipment is skipped, the calculation will
proceed with the next scenario, and store the result of previous calculation!
2.3.9
9 Evaluate results of the calculation

After the calculation is finished, the Log tab will display any abnormalities, using a Yellow
color for warnings, and Red for errors. The severity will also be represented by the LED icon
on top of the log window.
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Note that the contents of the Log window reflects the current active node. If a calculation set
is active, all Logs of underlying nodes will be included. To see dedicated results for one
equipment, or even one scenario, this node has to be activated (selected).
The same selection method applies for all other results: specific results from equipments
(Individual risk contours and FN curve) can be evaluated by selecting the equipment, a
scenario has results in terms of individual risk per wind-direction (FX graphs) or even
calculated consequence distances can be evaluated by selecting the required weather class.
Main results of course can be found on Calculation Set level: The complete set of scenarios
and equipments will result in a Individual Risk Contour map, and Societal Risk curves.
The Societal risk of transport scenarios is depicted in transport FN cuvres, applicable for a
section of the route. These graphs are part of the results of individual transport equipments
(per route).
2.3.10 10 The use of Cumulation sets

Very often one is not interested in the fully accumulated results of all scenarios, but want to
know the contribution of a specific subset of scenario, e.g. only flammable scenarios or
accumulation of specific vessels or equipments. Such a subset can be made using a
Cumulation Set. Define a new set by selecting the Cumulation sets node and selecting
<Right Mouse> <Add cumulation set>. Give it a descriptive name (e.g. Only Flammables)
and use the checkboxes to select which equipments or separate scenarios should be
incorporated within this accumulation. After pressing the <Calculate> button, which only
takes a few seconds, the subset results will be presented.
It is important to realise that a Cumulation set can also be used to ADD different calculation
sets. This way, it is possible to combine calculations for different parts of a site, for example
containing different production processes, and add them all together in one result as a
cumulation. This cumulation result will include Iso Risk contours, Societal risk graphs and SR
maps.
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2.3.11 11 The use of Comparison sets

The new RISKCURVES has the possibility to perform multiple QRA calculations, and
compare results. This can be used to validate the influence of a changing population, or
generally: a changed risk situation.
To perform multiple QRA calculations, the most rigorous way would be to copy and paste an
entire calculation set: select the node for the calculation set, press <Ctrl-C> and <Ctrl-V> (or
use edit copy / paste) and a complete calculation set will be added. Again, use descriptive
names for the different calculation sets, e.g. Larger storage capacity or Including new
Urban Development population and modify the contents of the copied calculation set
accordingly.
After calculation (which may take some time again), these results can be compared using the
comparison Set.
However, in many cases it is possible to add a new or modified scenario to the standard
calculation set and use a Cumulation set to exclude this from being added to the result. Since
all defined Cumulation Sets are also included within a Comparison set, this can be used to
verify the influence of a modified scenario, without the need to copy the entire calculation set.
Realise that copying a full calculation set will result in big projects with many duplicate
scenarios.
To start comparing different calculation sets or cumulation sets, define a Comparison set
by selecting the node and selecting <Right mouse> <Add comparison set> . All calculation
sets and cumulation sets of the project will be visible here. Use the checkboxes to include or
exclude a set. When comparing individual risk contours, only one level of interest will be
shown. This particular level can be modified within the presentation settings.
2.3.12 12 The use of Analysis points

For every calculation or cumulation set, analysis points can be defined, providing the
possibility to analyse the contribution of scenarios at specific locations.
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An analysis point can be added to any calculation or cumulation set. To add an analysis point,
use < Right mouse> < Add analysis point> on the analysis points node, or use < Right
mouse> , < Add analysis point> on top of the map to pinpoint a coordinate from the map.
The results will be visible after a calculation, and presented in a table in the report tab.
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RISKCURVES 9 has abandoned the tab based approach from the previous version, and now
uses a hierarchical tree view, which is also similar to the latest EFFECTS user interface.
The screen consists of standard elements like a menu bar and toolbar, and a main screen
which is divided in three zones: the project tree, the input panel and the result panel.
The project tree depicts the various components that are required to perform a QRA
calculation. The tree support cut and paste functionality and the object hierarchy illustrates
how LOC equipments are part of a calculation, scenarios take place at an equipment etc.
The input of the active (currently selected) node of the tree is presented in the input panel.
The contents of this panel will change dependent of the type of node that is selected.
The same dependency applies for the result panel, which will always display results (report,
graphs, maps and log) for the currently selected node.
The figure below shows an arbitrary user interface screen that might be visible during any
stage of a calculation and with all possible options enabled. The user interface has been
designed in such a way that it follows the rules of a standard Windows user interface as
close as possible.
Click on the Item letters or screen area to get detailed information about the control item:
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The figure above shows the new Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the software. The arrows
point to the most important controls of the GUI. All areas/controls are indicated with a letter
("A"..."L"). This letter is also used in the paragraphs to identify which part of the GUI is
described.
A. Menu bar
B. Toolbar
C.Project tree
D.Model input panel
E. Results panel tabs
F. Graph display panel
G.(Autohide) Scenario selection panel
H. Command buttons
I. Model input parameters
J. Profile selection box
K. Profile expert button
Furthermore, other screens that can be selected through the Results screen tabs are:
Contour display panel
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Report panel
Model Log panel
3.1
Menu bar
The menu bar contains the menu items to control the main functions of the user interface and
is set up in the way a common MS-Windows application is supposed to work.
The menu is separated into 5 main categories:

Menu File . .
The File menu provides access to:
New:
Creates a new empty project. Clears the memory.
Open:
Opens an existing project.
ReOpen:
Shows recent files and allows to select any of these recent files.
Save:
Stores the current project contents to disk
Save as:
Stores current contents under a new name
Menu Edit
These menu items provide standard clipboard functionality (Cut, Copy, and Paste) for all
items.
As a clipboard can only hold one type of data at a time, you will have the possibility to copy
either the profile, or the (GIS screen) Contours or the Report as HTML data to the clipboard.
These can be pasted in the normal way in any document.
The copy functionality is particular useful when copying parts of the project tree, such as
complete scenarios or even calculation sets. Copying and pasting can also be used between
two instances (running applications) of RISKCURVES, and allows to use population
definitions, equipments or scenarios from one project to another. It is also possible to copy
paste end models from EFFECTS (version 8/9) into RISKCURVES 9. This is only feasible for
so-called end models: models that end up with lethality levels. In general: all models that are
available within RISKCURVES consequence calculation core have support for copy / paste
from EFFECTS. (A release model is NOT an end model). This feature may become handy if
one wants to evaluate the behaviour of a specific model within EFFECTS before using it in a
QRA.
Another important item in Edit is Options.
Selecting this item will show the options screen, where users can define default settings,
chemical database, default units, environmental, vulnerability and accuracy settings. A
description of this feature is given in options description
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Menu View
Allows to enable disable the view of different segments of the toolbar, select the complexity
level or activate graphic or map view features.
Menu Tools
This Tools menu allows access for the following tools:
Mass and Volume calculator

Mortality / probit calculator
The remote dongle update program
The RISKCURVES Vs7 to Vs9 project convertor
The Chemicals convertor
Menu Help
Provides access to the help file, help file table of contents and version release notes.
3.2
Toolbar
The toolbar contains buttons for quick access to common functions and is divided in several
groups dependent upon their functionality.
From left to right it contains buttons for:

Group 1: File and print
New project
Open an existing project
Save a project
Save a project as
Group 2: Copy & paste
These are the standard cut, copy & paste tools. Note that the contents of the clipboard is
determined by the currently active region of the screen. For a profile or contour, the clipboard
contents will be an image, when the active component is a node, complete nodes of the
project tree can be copied and pasted.
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Instead of the buttons, the standard windows Ctrl-C (copy) and Ctrl-V (paste) hotkeys are
often more convenient.
Group 3: User complexity settings
These three buttons can be used to switch complexity level of the list of input.
Note that especially for the combined models, the list of input can be extensive. Because
many of the input parameters will always be used in default setting, or are taken form the
environment or system default parameters, the user required input can be simplified to much
less input parameters.
Currently, three levels of complexity are supported: Simple, Normal and Expert mode. The
last mode will always show all input parameters that influence the calculation.
Group 4: Profile tools
A profile graph can be the societal risk FN curve, but might also present consequence model
results such as a time or distance depending values, as heat radiation versus distance, or
concentration versus time.
Cross hair cursor: provides the possibility to show a crosshair, which will illustrate the
X,Y values of the point under the cursor
Ruler: activates the ruler, which can be used to measure the distance between two
points
Group 5: Contour tools
The grid tool shows a grid definition in the map, which can be handy for reading out
positions
Will show the location of equipment locations and analysis points. This is an on/off
toggle button. Any equipment location or analysis point can be illustrated with a dot on
the contour image. Transport routes will also be displayed as a line in the same map
layer.
Show crosshair: Illustrates the coordinate of the location at the cursor, and if a "grid"
layer is active (selected in the legend) , provides information about the value of the location at
the cursor
Geo-reference the background image. Will invoke a screen that can be used to
georeference a pixel based background.
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A pixel oriented graph needs to have a definition for the size and positioning of the image
in real world coordinates. For this purpose, EFFECTS uses the ESRI standard
georeference method which requires a wordfile definition for every image. Currently
supported pixel formats are JPG, TIFF, BMP and PNG files.
Ruler: activates the contour ruler, which is a measuring device to be used for obtaining
absolute sizes of clouds, areas, or distances to objects on a background map.
Transect: provides the possibility to determine the individual risk along a line section. By
defining a transect line (click and drag the cursor to define a track) the transect panel,
which is located below the legend panel, will display the risk along this track.
Lock zoom: this toggle button can be used to force the map view to keep the same field
of view on every component.
Full extent: rescales the map to the full extent (all objects visible)
3.3
Project tree
The project tree contains a list of all equipment and corresponding scenarios in the project.
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The user may switch between different active nodes by simply clicking on the appropriate
branch of the tree. Selecting the node will consequently display its properties, and its results
or reports in the result panel
Node that some nodes are grouping nodes, and need to be expanded before the actual
contents is visible. Stationary equipment is a placeholder for all typical point sources,
whereas transport equipment contains scenario's to be defined as a line source: pipeline,
railroads, highways etc.
Node in Italics or red
The caption of the node may illustrate the current state of the contents: red indicating
incomplete (not all values entered) or providing an error after a calculation, an italic caption
means that this node has not been calculated with the current contents (it may be new, or
changed after the previous calculation).
Renaming nodes
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Most nodes can be renamed, and given an appropriate name. Select the node and press
<F2> or select the node and subsequently select the label of the node.
It is strongly suggested to use descriptive names for equipment and scenario's, e.g. "Storage
vessel" and "Instantaneous rupture" scenario.
The sorting of the nodes is always based on alphabetical order. This can be used to give a
logical ordering by adding numbers in the name of the model.
Copying and Pasting scenario's

Any non-grouping node support a copy-paste action. Use Edit ..Copy / Edit.. Paste (or <Ctrl>C and <Ctrl>-V) while a node has been selected.This will create a copy of the node,
containing the same input as the original.
It is also possible to copy an entire calculation set containing all scenario's. This can be very
convenient when creating alternative development situations. One calculationset might
contain the current population, whereas a second set includes new urban development
plans.
Furthermore, a new calculationset will be included in a comparison set, allowing to display
results from multiple calculation situations.
Removing equipments or scenarios from the project
A node can simply be deleted by pressing the <Del> button while the node is selected. A
dialog will ask for a confirmation for the removal of the node.
Hotkeys for collapsing or expanding nodes

The use of the numerical keypad keys + (plus: expand to previous) or - (minus: collapse)
can be used to expand or collapse the tree quickly. The * (star) will expand the full tree.
3.4
CalculationSet definition
A calculation set is the placeholder for a complete QRA calculation, creating individual risk
results and possibly societal risk results.
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In standard situations, one usually works with ONE calculation set. However, it is possible to
use multiple (independent) calculation sets within one project (thus a RISKCURVES project
file). Multiple calculation sets can be used to compare different calculations, e.g. one with a
base population and one with modified population due to urban development plans.
Calculation set parameters :

Perform societal Risk calculation: Is a Yes/No choice: A Societal Risk Calculation,
resulting in so-called Societal Risk graphs, (FN curves) requires the availability of population
information. If Yes is selected, a population definition needs to be available, either as grid or
as polygons.
Note that an Individual Risk calculation, resulting in a map with Iso Risk Contours, will always
be performed
Create Societal Risk Maps: Is a Yes/No choice, if these calculations are activated, the map
view will also display SR maps
Cumulate transport routes in FN graphs: Is a Yes/No choice, by default No. If the user
selects to cumulate transport routes, the total FN curve will include the results for the
complete route. if cumulation is skipped, transport scenario's will provide Transport FN
graphs, valid for a specific section of the route (by default 1 km).
3.5
Equipment definition
An equipment is defined either as STATIONARY (equipment is at one coordinate) or as a
TRANSPORT definition, where the equipment requires route definition.
Add an equipment by pressing <Right Mouse> <Add equipment>.
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Adjust the new (red) name "Equipment" and use a good description.
A stationary equipment has two parameters containing the coordinates.
Use the background map to pinpoint the exact location of the equipment by using <Right
Mouse><Set release point>
For TRANSPORT equipment, a route can be defined by pointing clicking coordinates on the
background map. See positioning equipment
3.6
Scenario definition
A scenario definition contains information about the typical "Loss of Containment" event, and
is always located at an equipment (either transport or stationary). The choice for the scenario
type determines the typical event to be modelled.
An important choice is to define a known consequence footprint, called a damage definition,
or to let internal EFFECTS model calculate the damage zones, depending on the installation
definition (the amount, type and storage conditions of the chemical).
Add a scenario by using <Right mouse> <Add scenario> or use the scenario selection panel
By default, the scenario will be named according to the type of scenario added. The effects
(consequences) part of a scenario is contained within a modelset definition (depicted by an fX
icon). The number of model calculations within a modelset is depending on the
meteorological definition.
Rename the scenario and give a good descriptive name by using <F2> or selecting the node
label.
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Scenario input requires:

Base frequency: The failure frequency for the scenario, expressed per year. Although this
parameter has a default, it is highly recommended to modify this according to the actual
failure frequency.
Frequency correction factor: A scenario frequency might deviate from "standardised"
situations, due to risk reduction measures, dedicated situation etc. By using a correction
factor instead of adjusting the base frequency, adjustments can be made more traceable.
Frequency equally distributed day/night: By default, it is assumed that a frequency of an
scenario is equally distributed over nighttime and daytime; that is according to its
meteorological occurrence. However, some activities (loading unloading etc) may have a
certain preference for either day or nighttime. By changing this choice to "No", users can
define user specified (so deviating from meteorological distribution) value.
Fraction frequency in daytime hours: The base frequency is the total frequency for
daytime and nighttime. Users can define activities to take place only at daytime hours
(fraction daytime = 100%), only at nighttime (fraction = 0%) or any other value. The value
entered here will determine which part of the total frequency is used for daytime situation.
Chance direct ignition: The probability that a direct (immediate) ignition event takes place.
This parameter is only relevant for scenario's in which multiple phenomena (poolfire and
vapour cloud explosion, jetfire and vapour cloud explosion) are possible (combined models).
In case of damage definitions, the calculation is restricted to a single event: an explosion
damage definition already assumes that the explosion takes place.
By default a value of 0.8 is used, but this value can be altered, because it is dependent of the
type chemical (flammability) or release rate.
Chance delayed ignition: The probability that a delayed ignition (flash fire and/or vapour
cloud explosion) event takes place.
Note that the sum of Direct ignition and Delayed ignition does NOT have to be one:
1 - (Fraction direct + Fraction delayed) = fraction No Ignition
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Bleve fraction: The probability of a Bleve event taken place. A Bleve can only occur with a
instantaneous release and may be one of the immediate ignition events (other immediate
ignition event can be a poolfire). This parameter only has influence in case of multiple
phenomena and is only applied in case of instantaneous two phase releases of flammable
materials.
Fraction with explosion phenomena: Given the occurrence of a vapour cloud explosion
(which is regarded upon as a delayed ignition), this event may have overpressure effects.
This parameter describes which fraction of those events will have overpressure effects. Note
that, different from other QRA tools, TNO assumes that all delayed ignitions will have a flash
fire phenomenon, and only a part of thes flash fires will ALSO have overpressure effects.
3.7
Analysis points
Analysis point can be used to report risk contribution at specific user definable locations.
Any analysis point will produce a risk ranking per scenario, based on risk contribution at that
location. Furthermore, the societal risk FN graph of all scenarios affecting that location will be
presented, illustrating the severity of the societal risk at that location. This FN graph per
location is the base for the societal risk area map. The FN contribution graph will illustrate the
societal risk curve for the typical population within this population grid cell of this coordinate.
These location specific FN graphs are used as the bases for the SR contribution map.
Analysis point will be illustrated on the map when the "analysis point" is the active component
in the tree or whenever the "Show equipment locations" toolbar option has been selected.
An analysis point can be defined from any map view illustrating the Iso Risk Contours, such
as calculation set or the cumulation set.
To add an analysis point, use < Right mouse> < Add analysis point> on the analysis points
node, or use < Right mouse> , < Add analysis point> on top of the map to pinpoint a
coordinate from the map.
The results will be visible after a calculation, and presented in a table in the report tab.
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Result panel tabs

On top of the right half of the screen, four tabs provide access to the different result viewers:
For more information on various result screens, refer to:
Map display panel

Graph display panel
Report panel
Model Log panel
Note that the log panel also contains a LED light warning sign, which is used to illustrate the
status of the log messages
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3.9
RISKCURVES
Graph display panel

The profile result will present typical graphic representations that are available for the
selected node. This implies that the contents of the graph is dependent of the active node.
One of the most important graphs is the Societal Risk Graph which is available for a
Calculation Set or Equipment. Note that a transport equipment contains a slider which can be
used to illustrate the FN curve for a specific section of the route.
Depending on the contents of the graph, the X or Y scale may be adapted to logarithmic view,
when this is commonly used for displaying the typical graph.
Typical graphs available are:
1. Calculation set: The FN curve for all stationary equipment. If the option "cumulate transport
FN" is checked, the societal risk of the full route is ALSO included in this graph !!
2. Equipment: the FN curve for this equipment. This might be a transport FN curve, that has a
slider to select the section of the route to display
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3. Scenario: In expert mode, the FX graph is illustrated here. The FX graph is a "Individual
Risk versus Distance" graph presentation, available in all winddirections. It can be seen as
a polar representation of the risk of this particular scenario. All these polar results together,
positioned on their corresponding location, eventually create the Individual Risk Map
(presented as contours)
4. Modelset: A modelset will contain result for different weather classes (D5 day, F2 night
etc). On a consequence model level, all consequence model results will be shown in this
panel as well.
3.9.1
Presenting Model Results

For evaluating the detailed results of a consequence model calculation, the appropriate
weatherclass needs to be selected in the weather class combobox. Depending on the type of
model (single phenomenon or combined consequence model), the number of graphs can
differ, but usually these profiles will illustrate a time or distance depending behaviour of a
result parameter.
The graph selection box can be used to browse through all graphs that can be provided by
the model whereas the small button next to the profile selection box enables the possibility to
view "Profile expert graphs"
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3.9.2
RISKCURVES
Base functionality graphs

The graph presenter is equipped with a convenient zoom and scroll functionality which is
entirely operated with mouse:
Zooming into a graph can be done by selecting a zoom area with your LEFT mouse. To do
so, point and click in the graph, hold the left mouse button and drag the mouse from top left
to right down while holding the left mouse button. The program will show a rectangle. When
you release the left button, the area in the rectangle will be zoomed.
To unzoom the current graph, select an arbitrary zoom area from bottom right to left up
(the opposite way around as you zoom, which is from left to right down).
Alternatively the profile can be zoomed/unzoomed scrolling the mouse wheel the same
way as the contours can be zoomed. The profile is zoomed on the point the mouse cursor is
pointing at that moment.
Moving a graph is achieved by dragging with the RIGHT mouse button. Drag the chart while
clicking the right-mouse button (the cursor will change to a hand), and the current viewing
area can be changed. Note that an <Unzoom> action will undo this modification of the
viewport area and will revert the graph back to the (automatically scaled) graph boundaries.
Edit, Copy and Freeze
Pressing the right mouse button on top of the profile graph will open a popup menu with
options Edit, Copy and Freeze.
The Edit choice will invoke the build in graphic editor which provide access to all settings of
the graph, including properties as titles, scales and legend placement, but also contains an
export tab, which enables the possibility to save the graph either as data or any specified file
type graph.
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The edit dialog can also be accessed by doubleclicking on the profile graph.
The Copy choice will put a high resolution copy of the current view on the clipboard.
The Freeze selection will create a "clone" of the current graph which is no longer connected
to the underlying model. This can be convenient if one wants to evaluate or compare diffrent
versions of a calculation.
Axis units
All axis units of the profile graph can be changed by right clicking on the axis itself, just like all
other numerical values.
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Crosshair and Ruler

The crosshair tool, which can be activated by pressing the
in the toolbar, provides a
moving crosshair, which displays the current X and Y values of the mouse cursor.
The ruler option (toolbar button
) will show a ruler in the graph. The boundaries of the
ruler can be moved with the mouse, providing a way to measure the distance between
specific points.
3.10
(Autohide) Scenario selection panel

On the left side of the input screen, a small "grip" is shown. Whenever the mouse is hovered
above this area, the scenario selection panel will unroll. Whenever the mouse moved outside
this area, the panel will automatically hide again.
This panel provides a direct access to all available scenario's. Note that adding a scenario is
only possible if an equipment is the active node: a scenario needs to be added to a
location or a route !!
Note that the panel is oriented by model family: Combined models, Dispersion models, Fire
models and Damage definitions (no calculation but a predefined damage zone).
Selecting a model here will have the same result as selecting it through the popup menu
under Equipment: Add scenario.
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Command button panel

This panel contains the three important buttons to perform calculations:
The buttons perform basic actions on the model input screen. The clear and default buttons
will perform actions on the current selected session and leave other sessions unchanged.
The calculate button acts on the entire project and will recalculate all currently unavailable
results.
The buttons have the following tasks:
The Clear button
This button will clear the input screen by making all fields empty. Any unsaved data in the
current session screen will be lost
The Default button
When this button is clicked, it will fill the input area with default data. Note that the Default
button will NOT overwrite any existing data. This means that the function of this button is that
it will add default data to input screens that have some fields left blank. If you want to
substitute all data in a screen with default data you will have to press the Clear button (see
next paragraph) prior to the Default button.
This is particularly important when using the "Simple" or "Normal" mode, with a limited
number of input parameters. Note that a consequence model can not run if it does not have
all input parameters entered.
If the user is working in "simple" or "normal mode"
(see toolbar) some of the
input parameters MAY be hidden for the user. Before the calculation can be performed, all
hidden empty parameters are filled with their default values.
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The "Calculate" button

Pressing this button will start a calculation of the project. The calculation will be performed
for all currently modified scenarios or equipment that contain valid data. Currently modified
scenarios, or equipment, can be recognized by italic representation in the project tree.
If the calculation result in warnings or error, the log screen will automatically open, illustrating
the status of a calculation in color codes and a light.
During a calculation, a progress window will illustrate the progress, and give some feedback
on the current scenario or equipment being calculated.
Note that unchanged scenario's will not be recalculated; their modelset results will remain
unchanged. For a societal risk calculation, the results will need to be translated to total
victims and cumulated towards a total FN graph.
Recalculate ALL: <Alt> Calculate
Recalculation of all scenario's can be forced by pressing <Alt> plus the calculate button. This
will force complete recalculation of all effect models, scenario's and equipment contained in
the current project.
Calculate from here
It is also possible to force recalculation of a specific node: e.g. a single scenario, a single
equipment or a single calculation set. Select the node and press < Right mouse> : Calculate
from here. Note that if a single scenario is recalculated, but is part of a larger set, the
calculation set results will not be automatically updated.
3.12
Node input panel

Whenever a node has been selected, all required input (input parameter) for the active node
of the project tree will be displayed here. You can enter data by clicking on a white edit box
and type the data you want to use. By pressing the <TAB> or <SHIFT>+<TAB> key, you can
navigate through the input fields.
Depending on the active node: a Calculation Set, Population, Equipment, Scenario's or
Modelset the contents of the input panel (required input) will change.
When defining a modelset, this panel will contain all typical input for the effect consequence
model. Typical changes in the input of a combobox might influence availability of fields:
selecting an evaporating pool will disable the "liquid fraction" input: which will be grayed out.
Furthermore, color highlighting is used to reflect the state of an input field: all linked
parameters (copied from default weatherclass) are depicted with blue description, whereas
non-linked parameters remain black.
Furthermore, if parameters are missing, the label font will be is red, illustrating missing input.
Parameters that are in a light yellow edit box can be recognized as "expert" parameters, and
will only be visible if the <Expert> button is pressed. These parameters will normally be taken
from their corresponding default settings which can be environment settings like
temperatures etc, or expert parameter for all other defaults.
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Unit conversion input parameters

The input screen offers a convenient way to use any unit you like for entering the data. Right
click on the unit and select the required unit. Note that chemical dependent parameters (such
as Lower Explosion Limit or LEL value) will perform the required mass/volume translations
automatically:
3.13
Graph selection box

When a calculation is performed, a model can deliver more than one graphical result. As we
can only display results of the same type in one graph simultaneously, the program will store
all different types of graphs in a selection box. For example, a BLEVE (EFFECTS) model
might present a heat radiation versus distance diagram as well as a mortality-distance
diagram.
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Since only one graph can be visible at any moment, you can find the other graphs here.
When you press the down arrow, all other graphs become visible (see below)
Depending on which graph you choose, the graphical area (see graphical presentations) will
be updated automatically.
Note that some models, like the combined models, have an extensive list of profiles,
requiring to use the scrollbar in the selection box !
3.14
Profile expert button

The small button next to the profile selection box enables the possibility to view "Profile expert
graphs".
This feature allows the user to select multiple profiles,
Pressing this button will open a new window, with all currently available profiles listed on the
left side. The user can "tick" any graph.
If profiles with different units are selected, the graph will use both left and right (even bottom/
top) axis to present the different graphs. All features, available for a standard profile graph,
such as (popup menu) Edit, Copy, Freeze and Unit axis setting are also available in the
Profile expert.
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Map display panel

Map panel: a GIS presentator
The contour display panel will provide a GIS presentation of all geographic oriented results,
optionally above a background map.
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So whats GIS anyway?

GIS is the abbreviation of "Geographical Information Systems". GIS is everything about
objects that are linked to their geographical location and linked to extra information that can be
displayed in a map theme. For example: a database may contain the location of houses (X,Y
coordinate) while another database contains extra information like the price of this house,
and the material that it is built from. GIS brings it all together by creating a map that shows
location of the object (the house) and showing a colored price range. For example houses
below
are displayed as the green dots while houses above
are displayed
in red. A map consists of one or more layers. When using high end GIS systems, people
have many separate map layers available that contain roads, pipes, waterways, underground
electricity cables, glass fiber cables for computer communication, the water supply system,
street plans, terrain topography and much more. Combining two or more of these layers
result in a specific map theme. A map theme can, for example, consist of a layer that
contains the terrain topography and a layer that contains the waterways. This will give
information about the flow of rivers and canals with respect to terrain topography. When
contractors start digging, they mostly make use of maps that contain the terrain topography
combined with pipelines, water supply system, computer communication cables etc. to avoid
damage while digging.
RISKCURVES works more or less in the same way as a common GIS system. It can make
use of several map layers and you can manipulate these layers and the properties of every
layer.
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The sequence in which the map layers are drawn, greatly influences the way that the map
looks. For example if the first layer contains the road network and the second layer is a
bitmap containing the terrain topography, the road network might be invisible because it is
hidden behind the bitmap. This is because vector files (like the road map) are mostly
transparent, while bitmaps are opaque (not transparent). Keep this in mind when you create a
map of several layers. By default, background maps are always the first (back most) layer.
The order of the layers can be manipulated by dragging a layer in the legend panel towards a
different location.
Currently supported formats for background maps are:
SHP (Shape) file format, these files typically contain vectorised information like lines,
polygons or points, associated with fields (stored in a seperate database), that can be used
as an indicator for the geographic object.
DXF is a cad oriented exchange format. Most CAD programs can export drawings (e.g.
overview of an industrial plant) as DXF file.
Pixel oriented images: JPG, TIF, PNG, BMP files. Pixel oriented files always need a geo
reference file that contains the translation of pixel coordinates to real world coordinates. A
utility to create these files is included in the program.
3.15.1 Presenting geographic calculation results

If a model calculation output also contains geographic oriented information (e.g. size of the
toxic cloud, size of a fireball) these result will automatically be presented in the RISKCURVES
system. You will often add one or more and map backgrounds (topographic maps, Google
earth screen capture) to the map presentation area.
RISKCURVES will automatically add all layers that contain the results. Note that the layers
can be activated / deactivated by the checkboxes in the legend. Below is a picture that shows
a specific GIS layers on top of a topographic map.
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Contour Legend and colors

In the legend area all map layers will become visible as an checkable item. The colors that
are used for Iso Risk Contours, or grid presentations, can be modified within "presentation
settings"
For a comparison set, multiple contours will be drawn of one particular contour value (e.g. the
10-6 contour) will be drawn. The value for this "multiselect contour" can be modified within
presentation settings.
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3.15.2 Positioning equipment

Positioning equipment, or defining routes or population polygons
The background map will become very useful when defining equipment: a stationary
equipment requires a coordinate. This can be taken from the map by using the popup menu:
< Right Mouse> < Set release point>. This will automatically copy the current mouse cursor
position to release coordinates. It is strongly advised to zoom in the map in order to position
equipment accurately.
For a transport equipment, a route needs to be defined, which is performed by simply
pointing/clicking points on the route. Pressing the <Edit> button will invoke the drawing mode:
add or move point by simply dragging a point (move) or clicking a new point on the map. A
selected point will be drawn in red. Use the scroll wheel to zoom in to a high level and be able
to define points accurately. Deleting points can be done by selecting a point on the map and
pressing <delete> or selecting the table row and pressing <delete>.
Finalize definition of a route by pressing < End Edit> in the route input panel.
A route also has correction factors, which are used for local adjustment of the failure
frequency, for example on railroad crossings, switches etc.
3.15.3 Map functionality

The map view uses the same mouse shortcuts as the graph display for zooming and
scrolling.
Apart from the left right mouse drag, the scroll-wheel can also be used to zoom in or out of
an area.
Whenever the contour panel is activated, seven toolbar buttons can be used for specific
features:
The grid tool shows a grid definition in the map, which can be handy for reading out
positions
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Will show the location of equipment locations and analysis points. This is an on/off
toggle button. Any model that has a geographic presentation in the contour viewer, will
have a "Release X" and "Release Y" parameter. This location can be illustrated with a
dot on the contour image. Transport routes and analysis points will also be displayed.
Show crosshair: Illustrates the coordinate of the location at the cursor, and if a "grid"
layer is active (selected in the legend) , provides information about the value of the location at
the cursor
Geo-reference the background image. Will invoke a screen that can be used to
georeference a pixel based background. Note that a pixel oriented graph needs to have
a definition for the size and positioning of the image in real world coordinates. For this
purpose, EFFECTS uses the ESRI standard georeference method which requires a
wordfile definition for every image. Currently supported pixel formats are JPG, TIFF,
BMP and PNG files.
Ruler: activates the contour ruler, which is a measuring device to be used for obtaining
absolute sizes of clouds, areas, or distances to objects on a background map.
Transect: provides the possibility to determine the individual risk along a line section. By
defining a line (click and drag the cursor to define a track) the transect panel, which is
located below the legend panel, will display the risk along this track.
Lock zoom: this toggle button can be used to force the map view to keep the same field
of view on every component.
Full extent: rescales the map to the full extent (all objects visible)
Furthermore, a popup menu is available within the map view:
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Set release point: By selecting this option, the coordinate which is currently under the
mouse cursor, will be entered in the "X coordinate/ Y coordinate" equipment input fields.
Add analysis point: By selecting this option, the coordinate which is currently under the
mouse cursor, will be added as an analysis point. This function is only available on
calculation sets and cumulation sets
Gray scale background: Is only applicable for pixel background images, and will set the
current background in grayscale to improve visibility of the (colored) contours.
Show GridValues: Illustrates the coordinate, and if a Grid layer is active, the value of the cell
under the cursor will be presented:
Show grid: activates the grid definition in the map, which can be handy for reading out
positions
Show Release point: activates the equipment locations layer, showing the locations of
equipment locations and analysis points.
.
Draw transect: point and drag a line to display the risk values along this line as a risk
transect.
Edit transect point: provides the possibility to manually adjust coordinates, to obtain exactly
the same values for strt and end point of the transect.
Georeference, Georeference point and Georeference expert:
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These buttons are only available when a background map component is active. Basically, the
geo referencing of a pixel map consists of two aspects: the size translation, and the absolute
coordinate's. Although it is very often feasible to use a (country specific) absolute referencing
system, maps can also be used relatively, by simply identifying the main source location as
(0,0).
By using this tool, any point (zoom in to get an accurate positioning) a selected point can be
associated with a specific coordinate. Note that this action will alter the world-file (see georeferencing), used to relate the background pixel map to real world coordinates
3.16
Report panel
The report panel contains a full list of input AND result parameters that were generated while
running the calculation.
Depending on the active node of the tree, the contents of the report will differ.
For a calculation set or cumulation set, a list of all scenarios, including frequency and
maimum effcet distances, and societal risk ranking report will be presented.
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For a scenario including a consequence calculation, the full list of the EFFECTS model
calculation results is available. Note that for combined model scenarios, this list may be very
long, because a model chain might contain several submodels, such as outflow, evaporation
and toxic/explosive dispersion models, and several typical fire/heat radiation phenomena
models like a Bleve or Poolfire model.
On a modelset level the result will be presented for all different weather conditions defined.
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If the user has selected multiple models i the model navigation list, the report will display
results of selected sessions in different columns. Any differences in input will be marked
bold, allowing to quickly compare calculations and see differences in input.
The report view is a full HTML document, which can easily be copied to your local office
application. Furthermore print and print preview is supported by the internal HTML viewer.
3.17
Model log panel

The model log presents a logging of all messages occurring during a calculation.
Furthermore, a color code is used to illustrate warnings and error messages.
When calculating complex physical effects or consequences, there are numerous reasons
why a calculation can go wrong. Physical conditions might not match those required to run
the selected model, erroneous input might be entered or simply a bug in a model
encountered.
When the program traps an error, this error is send to the model log. When the model log
contains warnings or errors after a calculation the user will get a notification that something
unexpected has happened and the log viewer is opened.
The severity of the error is illustrated by the led light on top of the view:
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A Yellow indicator illustrates a warning, for example a model was used outside it
validity domain, root finding method does not find a solution, or system messages
that a subroutine was doing an illegal action but which could be corrected. It is not an
error but needs user judgment. Warning messages may include hints that no
societal risk has been found.
A Red indicates an error, which can be straightforward messages like "Can not
calculate because of parameters being empty", but it may also report that input
conditions determine a situation for which the model will not run or a scenario that
was skipped.. Basically an error messages implies that no reliable (end)results are
available for the corresponding scenario or consequence model. The message is
often combined with a suggestion of how to solve the problem.
Note: the log window supports sorting on columns, so by sorting on severity, the most
important warnings or errors may be listed on top.
Note: Every message will only show once. Furthermore, if a warning or error is raised, the
program will always switch to the log viewer to force the user to read the messages.
The Time column illustrates the date or time when the error occurred.
The # field presents the number of times that the problem (error or warning) occurred.
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The first error that happened is usually the most important. If errors were trapped in more
than one model calculation, the first/second error of every session is usually the most
important.
The MODEL LOG log is cleared every time you perform another calculation, and is always
associates with ONE model calculation. Since combined model chains consists of several
submodels, warnings may be associated with multiple models.
Model codes used in the log:
The combined model often incorporates 4 types of dispersion models which will be
abbreviated in the messages:
HGDE: Heavy Gas Dispersion Explosive mass model, (Inst indicated Instantaneous mode,
Pool indicates Poolevaporation mode)
HGDT: Heavy Gas Dispersion Toxic model
NGDE: Neutral Gas Dispersion Explosive mass model
NGDT: Neutral Gas Dispersion Toxic model
3.18
Legend panel
The legend panel, displayed on the right side of the map, will display all layers currently active
in the internal GIS viewer.
Activation or deactivation can be performed by selecting the menu option "View" "Panels"
"Legend" / "Transect graph"
Specific presentation layers can be activated or de-activated by selecting the checkbox of the
layer in the legend.
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- The ordering of the layers can be altered by dragging the layer legend item to the top or
bottom direction. The topmost layer will be the first layer to be drawn, subsequent other
layers will be projected on top of the preceding layer. For this reason, the background maps
should always be the top layer.
- The bottom part of the legend panel can be used to present a risk transect: a XY graph
presentation of the risk along a definable track on the map.
Double clicking a legend item will display the internal editor for the GIS viewer. This editor can
be used to to change display colors (note that default colors should be set in presentation
settings), transparency of the layers etc.
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Options
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In the edit menu a menu-item Options is provided, selection if this item will show the options
screen.
Reload last file

If this item is checked, RISKCURVES will always open the last used file, allowing you to
quickly continue with the project you were working on.
Number of files to remember
The file menu contains a list of the recently used RISKCURVES project files. The number of
files stored in this history list can be modified with this value.
Restore application position
By selecting this item, it is possible to restore the size and position of the RISKCURVES
application window. The program will always open in the same size and same relative screen
position that was last used.
Restore toolbar positions
If the user has modified the position of the toolbars (they can be dragged by using the grip on
the left side of the toolbar), using this setting will repaint the toolbar on the same place when
RISKCURVES is re-activated.
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Default chemical database

By default, RISKCURVES comes with two databases: the YAWS database, providing
physical properties for about 120 chemicals and the the extended DIPPR database,
containing properties for over 1500 chemicals. Furthermore, users can make copies of the
database, where specific properties are modified, or chemicals gave been added. This
setting can be used to determine the default database that will be used whenever a new
model is created.
Note that is is always possible to switch databases for any effects model by using the browse
button to the right of the chemical combobox:
See Chemical database for more information on the chemical database

Default Display Units
RISKCURVES is equipped with a automated unit conversion system. All units can be
switched by simply right-clicking the unit label and selecting an alternative unit. Apart from this
option, users can define their own default set.
Default Presentation settings

These settings contain typical parameters influencing the graphical presentations of
RISKCURVES. All parameters can be individually adjusted in the presentation settings within
the project. For any new project, the defaults defined here will be applied.
Expert Parameter Defaults
Any effects model contains several input parameters, where the current complexity level
determines the number of parameters displayed. So-called "expert parameters" are more
dedicated parameters, illustrated in a yellow background, that usually don't need adjustment.
The defaults that will be used if these expert parameters have not been explicitly defined, will
be taken from the "expert parameter defaults" that can be adjusted here.
Environment settings
These settings store some typical environmental parameters that are used within the
program, if the user is not working in Expert mode. Furthermore, whenever the <Default>
button is pressed in expert mode; the values provide here will be entered in the
corresponding property fields.
Expert parameter settings
Apart from environment dependent values like ambient temperature etc, some other system
parameters are often used within the models. Values that re used within the models can be
modified in the parameter settings dialog.
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Dispersion Sigma definitions

The neutral gas dispersion model uses so-called Sigma's to the Gaussian dispersion. For
every Pasquill stability class these sigma's have been defined in the Yellow book. Although
highly discouraged, it is possible to change these settings, because other countries may
have different values for these classes.
WARNING: CHANGING THESE VALUES WILL INFLUENCE THE RESULTS OF THE
NEUTRAL GAS DISPERSION MODEL !
Location of User modified settings

Note that any RISKCURVES project will contain all parameters used INSIDE the project itself.
Even transferring the project to another system will not change results upon calculation,
WITH EXCEPTION of the chemical database. Note that this file (see chemical database for
the location of this file) needs to be copied to another system to be using identical "User
defined" substances..
All defaults, entered within the options menu, including user defined new meteorological
definitions,(specific meteo station data) will be stored in a user settings file,
<Applicationname>.user.config (which is a XML file) which is located inside the users
application folder. The typical location depends on the windows version, but it can be found
using the %Appdata% query in the Windows Find box or Windows Explorer address field.
The %appdata% folder contains subfolders EFFECTS and RISKCURVES, containing the
dedicated configuration files.
The typical locations for user configuration files can also be found using the "RISKCURVES
diagnostics" tool, which is installed along with RISKCURVES.
4.2
Display units
EFFECTS 8 is equipped with an automated unit conversion system.
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All units can be switched by simply right-clicking the unit label and selecting an alternative
unit. The input screen offers a convenient way to use any unit you prefer for entering the data.
Right click on the unit and select the required unit. Note that chemical dependent parameters
(such as Lower Explosion Limit or LEL value) will perform the required mass/volume
translations automatically:
Apart from this build-in unit conversion option, users can define their own default Unit set. If
one prefers to use British Standard Units or other local (non-SI) units, it is possible to define
this as the standard unit for all models and all axis. After saving of these settings, all screens
will be using the specified units.
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Presentation settings
These settings contain parameters determining presentations of RISKCURVES.
Presentation settings will always be applied for the complete project, and not just for one
Calculation set.
The defaults can be accessed from the options menu, users can redefine or adapt
presentation settings within any project.
Important choices are the typical values for Iso Risk Contours to draw, the Individual Risk
level to use in comparison graphs, and definition of the guide value line.
Guide value definition

RISKCURVES now supports the use of country specific guide value definitions. Note that the
guideline is also presented in the FN graph as a straight line. The slope, and orientation of this
threshold line can be defined by using the parameters:
1. Guide value starting at # victims: the X-axis starting point
2. Guide value starting at frequency: the Y-axis starting point
3. Guide value transport starting at: the Y axis value to use for a transport FN curves
4. Guide value maximum: the X axis end point
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5. Guide value slope: the slope of the guide value line (e.g. Netherlands uses slope 2,
implying a risk aversion, the UK uses a slope of 1; no risk aversion)
Color legend translation of grids

Furthermore, the color legend to use for specific grid presentations can be defined here. The
concept is to define minimum and maximum levels, the number of levels and color range to
illustrate a (risk) value into a color.
Note that the translation of societal risk area maps is based on the norm ratio of the societal
risk at a location, which is compared to the guide value. These norm ratio values are colored
according to logarithmic scale: -2 means 100 times lower than the guide value, =2 means
100 time too high, and zero means ratio 1.
Line color palette

The color palette itself is used for the definition of line colors for contours and graphical
presentations. The first 6 values are used for contour colors, the colors from 7 to 20 are used
for subsequent lines in the graph panel.
The last two colors are used as color for the "show locations" and "show analysis points"
color.
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Expert Parameter settings

The expert parameters editor is used to store some of the default values which will be
entered into a model calculation when working in "simple mode" or when the <Default> button
will be pressed.
StandardPipeRoughness
The roughness of a pipe is used in pipe flow pressure drop calculations, default 4.5E-5 m
Hole contraction coefficient
This contraction coefficient for sharp edges is used in outflow calculations. Default is 0.62
Pipe contraction coefficient
This contraction coefficient for pipe endings edges is used in outflow calculations. Default is
0.82
Concentrating averaging time toxics
This value is used to calculate an time averaged concentration for toxic loads. Default is
600.0 sec.
For a (semi-) continuous source this is the duration over which the concentration will be
averaged out, to deal with the effect of the meandering of the wind.
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The averaging time for toxic concentration is related to aspects of the receiver. For local
irritant chemicals the effects can occur within few seconds (few breathings) and for
systematically irritant chemicals within few minutes (few times pumping of blood through
body).
Therefore the standard value is chosen to be 60.
Concentrating averaging time flammables
This value is used to calculate an time averaged concentration for flammable substances.
Default is 20.0 sec.
For a (semi-) continuous source this is the duration over which the concentration will be
averaged out, to deal with the effect of the meandering of the wind.
The minimum value for the averaging time is 18.75 s [Yellow Book], this compares to the
value for an instantaneous source, which is also used for the calculations of the contour for
the flammability limits and the explosive mass.
Toxic Inhalation Heigth
This values is used as default height to calculate the toxic dose.
Fraction confined mass in Multi energy explosion method
The multi energy method for explosions has an important parameter "Fraction confined
mass".
Default this one is set to 8.0 %. Although this value is quite unrealistic, it appears to give
answers comparable to the old TNT method.
CurveNumber for Multi energy explosion method
The multi energy method for explosions has an important parameter "CurveNumber".
Default this one is set to 10. Although this value is quiet unrealistic, in combination with 8%
confined, answers are in the same order of magnitude as the old TNT method.
The multi-energy method is based upon experimental graphs in which the required value
depends upon the distance from the vessel and the type of explosion. 10 different types of
explosion are considered, and have a curve associated to them. Those are:
1. Very weak deflagration
2. Very weak deflagration
3. Weak deflagration
4. Weak deflagration
5. Medium deflagration
6. Strong deflagration
7. Strong deflagration
8. Very strong deflagration
9. Very strong deflagration
10. Detonation
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Probabilty FlashAndExplosion
In a gas cloud explosion, the flashfire may be accompanied by overpressure effects. This
parameter determines the probability that flash AND explosion occur. Default is 0.4
Default mixingheight
Used in dispersion calculations. Default value 500.0 m
4.5
Meteorological distribution
A meteorological distribution contains the probabilities of weather conditions and wind
directions occurring. Definitions are usually named after a corresponding meteorological
station, like airport names. All Dutch weather stations are available within the standard
installation, but users will often need to define their own stations. Once station have been
added, these locations can be selected in the meteo data project node.
This editor shows a table which present the probabilities that wind for a specified stability
class from a wind sector occurs. Different from previous version, the new editor now has
separate Day/Night columns, and values are relative percentages.
The sum of all day and all night definition should be 100% together. If this condition is not
archived, a red Meteo Distribution indication will be shown, and the total day or total night
might turn red, indicating invalid values.
User can define simple data sets with only two weather classes.
The button < Add Weather Class> will add two (a day and night)columns, titles according to
the selected Pasquill class and wind speed.
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Columns can be deleted by pressing < RightMouse> button and selecting <Remove Weather
class> button.
Apart from modifying the cells for the specific wind direction weather class combination, the
total occurring probability for a column can be modified. This will remain the current wind
direction distribution for that weather class untouched and can be convenient when adjusting
probabilities of weather class occurring.
Note: In previous RISKCURVES versions the distribution daytime/nightime was incorporated
within the meteorological definition, the current distribution is based on 100% daytime total
and 100% nighttime total. The daytime / nighttime ratio is defined in a separate parameter
Meteorological Daytime Fraction
4.6
Vulnerability settings
Within the vulnerability settings, typical parameters defining translation of effects to damage
are grouped together.
The defaults to be used in a new project can be accessed from the options menu, users can
redefine or adapt vulnerability settings within any project.
See paragraph QRA Definitions Vulnerability parameters for a detailed description on all
values.
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This editor provides the possibility to modify environment settings as displayed below:
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These environment are being used as standard values for model definitions, and can only be
overruled when using the "expert mode" situation.
Since RISKCURVES now supports dedicated day/night calculations, environment
parameters have distinguished day or night specification. Whenever a new sceanrio will be
created, the appropriate day/night conditions will be pushed in models for D5 day or D5 night.
With respect to the risk calculations, the parameter "Meteorological Daytime Fraction" is
important. This parameter defines the number of hours during 24 hour that are defined as
daytime situation. Note that separate D5 day and D5 Night calculations will be performed for
two situations (as for any stability class occurring during day and nighttime). This parameter
will adjust the typical occurrence of day/night situation according to the countries
meteorological condition.
Apart from this "calculation set" typical parameter, any scenario can be defined as occurring
more or less during daytime.
See Environment parameters for a detailed description of all parameters.
4.8
Accuracy settings
Accuracy settings are used to group parameters that influence the accuracy of the
calculation. One should be aware that there might be a tradeoff between accuracy and
calculation speed.
The defaults to be used in a new project can be accessed from the options menu, users can
redefine or adapt accuracy settings within any calculation set.
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Chemical Databases
By default, EFFECTS comes with the YAWS database, providing physical properties for
about 100 chemicals. The extended database contains over 2000 chemicals.
Database sources: YAWS , DIPPR or USER defined
Because the user can alter the databases, there is a potential danger that a model might
crash or calculates false results due to erroneous data that was entered in any database. To
avoid a situation that a model will not run due to an erroneous database, database always
contains the original data. These databases are called YAWS and "DIPPR".
As of version 8.1 both datasets are stored within the same physical file, the availability of a
DIPPR license will provide access to the DIPPR chemicals as well.Without an active license,
DIPPR chemcials cannot be accessed.
The database editor is configured so that you can not change the YAWS or DIPPR data, but
you can copy values from either database into your own "USER set".
The following paragraphs will explain how you can create your own database and maintain it
using the database editor.
Physical and thermodynamic properties of all (available) chemicals come from the chemical
database.
The standard YAWS database comes with more than 100 chemicals, see list of chemicals.
The DIPPR database contains more than 2000 chemicals and is based on the DIPPR 2010
chemical database.
Please note: that if you have a license for both databases, calculation results from YAWS
may differ from DIPPR generated results, simply because the chemical properties may differ.
Furthermore, the DIPPR database takes into account the "non ideal gas behavior" by using a
second virial coefficient. Due to this, results from gas outflow models may differ more than
expected based on typical density parameters.
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Location: The database itself is stored in a file "Chemicals.tci" stored in the windows %
ProgramData% folder under \TNO\<Applicationame>). This implies that EFFECTS and
RISKCURVES might be using different databases version.
Synchronizing User defined chemicals: If users have added "User" chemicals, and
colleagues on other PC's want to use the same definitions, the "chemicals.tci" file will need to
be copied to the other computer! In future versions, with potential new versions of the DIPPR
database, a conversion tool will be provided to transfer user defined chemicals into the new
database.
4.9.1
Chemical database editor

Using another chemical database set
When the program starts, it will always connect to the standard database automatically. You
can use chemicals from the chemical database sets (YAWS, DIPPR or USER DATA set). To
use another database set click on the browse button next to the chemical name. This will
open the chemical database dialog, where you can change the database set in the top left
corner. Select a chemical from that database and click 'Ok' to use that chemical.
Warning! Because you can switch between database sets between models and sessions,
there is a potential danger of creating inconsistent calculation results. Therefore the program
will always print the name of the database that was used at the time the calculation was
performed. If you suspect a situation as described here, check the database names!
The database editor performs no checks. If you enter physically incorrect data, the program
will trap many errors in a model calculation that might be very difficult to trace.
DIPPR: Non ideal gas behaviour

Because the DIPPR database contains a "Second Virial Coefficient", which describes the
non ideal (compressibility) behaviour of a chemical, results of calculation with the DIPPR
databases may differ from YAWS based calculation, especially in the case of gas release
calculations.
Viewing the chemical database
This editor shows the contents of the database. The chemical database editor provides a tree
view, where chemicals are depicted by a tree branch in the left-hand panel.
Selecting a branch opens the chemical, where each chemical has constant, temperature
dependent, and possibly toxic properties.
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Selecting a chemical from the database

To select a chemical, use the search field in the top-left of the database editor menu. This
name field will act as a filter on the chemical names, and tree resulting tree will include all
chemicals matching the entered characters.
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Select the chemical which is required in the tree, and its basic properties will be illustrated in
the right panel. Properties are divided in "Constant" "Temperature dependent" and "Toxic
properties".
Note that the <open ICSC> button will automatically jump to the International Chemical Safety
Card of the current chemical, if the corresponding ICSC number is known. This site will
provide detailed safety information, including commonly used occupational exposure limits
values like IDLH values.
Select the sub-branch you wish to inspect from the chemical in the chemical tree.
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Viewing/Editing properties of chemicals

Before you are going to view or even edit the properties of a chemical, you must select the
database that contains the chemical of which you want to change or view properties.
NOTE: ONLY <USER DATA> CHEMICALS CAN BE MODIFIED!
Because the program will use the standard YAWS or DIPPR database by default, it will show
non-editable fields for all provided data. To modify the data, a copy of the record must be
made, which will be put in the "USER DATA" set.
This can conveniently be done by right-clicking on a chemical in the chemical tree, and
selecting "Copy <Chemical name>". This will create a full copy of an existing chemical in the
USER DATA set. Note that copies of original DIPPR chemicals stay subject to your DIPPR
license.
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Viewing constant / temperature dependent properties

The chemical tree list is divided into a 3 sub-branches. The first is called Constant
Properties and contains all temperature-independent properties like molar mass, critical
temperature etc.
All temperature-dependent properties are listed under the other chemical substance branch.
The names are self-explanatory. Click on the required parameter (such as "Liquid vapour
pressure") to illustrate the formula's and graphs for the property. The checkboxes in the
'Known Ranges' view control the graphs that are displayed.
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Viewing graphs of the chemical parameters

The graph which illustrates the temperature dependent behaviour of the selected chemical
parameter provides some of the typical graphical features: zooming by dragging a box, using
a crosshair to read out values, or even change scales:
Viewing Toxic parameters

The toxicity parameters view (last branch) contains all values for the "A", "B" and "N" probits.
Note: that the values for A and B are dependent of the units used !
By using the right mouse button on top of the unit box, the unit values can be changed,
correcting the a and b values
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Editing temperature-dependent properties

To edit a temperature-dependent property select it's entry in the left-hand tree. If the
temperature-dependent property you wish to edit is not in the list, right-click on the
'Temperature Dependent Properties'-entry, and select it from the 'Add' menu.
Minimum valid and maximum valid temperatures (Ranges)

In the right-hand pane you can see the different ranges known for the selected property. Right
click in the 'Known Ranges' area to add a new range, or delete a current one. Double click on
a temperature to edit it's value.
As any temperature dependent property is a formula, the ranges indicate between which
temperatures a function is indicated as "valid". The word "valid" can have two meanings
within this concept.
First: most temperature dependent parameters are interpolated or extrapolated from
experimental data and the two temperatures shown here are the temperatures between
which experiments have been performed and the data is validated. This does not necessarily
cover the whole range that the function could be valid. For example, theoretically, a vapor
pressure is valid until the critical temperature. Above that temperature, a liquid-vapor
equilibrium does not exist. So the maximum valid temperature can be lower than the critical
temperature when experiments have not been carried out until the critical temperature.
Second: As explained above, the maximum valid temperature can also be a true physical
limit, like a melting point or a critical temperature. These values were entered in the previous
"General" data entry screen.
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Enabled: In the DIPPR database, temperature range overlapping properties have been
disabled. To be able to activate another range, you can toggle this setting by double-clicking
on the <Enabled> field.
Equation
This is the actual equation that is used to calculate the temperature dependent data. You can
change the 'Equation' drop-down list to the desired equation, in the 'Parameters' area to it's
left, you can double click to edit the parameters for the chosen equation.
Editing toxic properties
To edit toxic properties, select the 'Toxic Properties' node in the left-hand tree view. Existing
properties can be edited by double-clicking their value. New properties can be added by
selecting them in the right-click menu.
With every toxic property, it's possible to store the source, and a comment.
Editing constant properties and chemical identification information

Editing the constant properties, and the chemical identification information is much the same
as editing toxic properties.
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Every chemical has a source and a comment stored with them, editable on the chemical
identification page (select chemical name in the left-hand tree). Existing values can be
changed by double-clicking, new entries can be added with the right-click popup menu.
Create a new chemical
A new chemical can be created by selecting the user database, and right-clicking in the lefthand tree area. Select 'New Chemical' from the popup menu. Properties can be added and
edited as described above.
Since only user-chemicals can be edited, it is possible to copy a chemical from another
database into the user database. To do this, select the database in the drop-down menu, and
search for the chemical. In the left-hand tree, right click on the chemical name and select
'Copy chemical'. The editor will now switch to the newly created user chemical.
4.9.4
Chemicals convertor
Users of the previous Riskcurves version 7 may have put considerable effort in defining their
own chemicals or adding properties to existing chemicals. Since the chemical database
format has been changed, these "User defined" records need to be translated into the new
database. For this purpose, a chemical convertor is provided.
The convertor can be started form the menu "Tools" ... "Chemicals Convertor".
Use the "Open file" button to brows to the database file containing the required chemical
records. This file is usually located in a "shared data" folder under the EFFECTS or
RISKCURVES program files directory and has extension "RDB".
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Upon opening this file the complete list of chemical will be presented in the chemicals list of
the left of the screen. A multiple selection is possible. Press the button in the center to import
the selected chemicals into the new user database.
4.10
Mass and volume calculator

In some cases a model asks for a volume while you only have a mass available, in other
cases it is the other way around. The volume and mass calculator converts masses into
volumes and vice versa for both gases and liquids. It also supports unit conversions. This
calculator can be accessed from the "View" menu.
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The calculation is invoked as soon as something is typed or changed in the Mass of or

Volume of boxes. To change from mass conversion to volume conversion simply switch
to the other edit box.
NOTE!
Depending whether the chosen pressure and temperature fall within legal physical limits, a
result might be visible or not. For example if you choose a temperature above the critical
temperature, you will see no answer for a liquid mass/volume conversion. Thus, in some
cases you might discover that there is no result. In most cases this means that you are trying
to perform a conversion outside the physical limits (e.g. above the critical temperature, no
liquid phase exists, hence no mass of a liquid can be calculated).
4.11
Mortality/probit calculator
The mortality calculator (or Response calculator) is used for quick estimations of the fraction
of mortality when exposed to a concentration of a toxic chemical. It also supports unit
conversions between three different dose units. The calculator can be accessed from the
"View" menu.
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Dependent upon the units of concentration and the molecular mass of the chemical that the
probits are to be calculated for, the a value of the probit a will differ. The probit calculator can
convert the value of the toxic probit as calculated for each of the three commonly- used units
for concentration: kg/m3, ppm or mg/m3.
Simply right click on the unit of the probits, and it will display other possible units, and convert
the current displayed value.
4.12
Geo-referencing images
Vector data in Map Layers exists in a real-world or map coordinate system, measured,
typically in meters. The x-coordinates increase from left to right and the y-coordinates
increase from the bottom to the top.
This is quite different from a raster image represented by a Pixel Oriented Layer such as
bitmaps and JPG files. A bitmap is a raster image that is organized and measured by rows
and columns. Each cell has a row number and a column number. If the origin is located in the
upper left corner of the data, that cell would be identified as row 1, column 1.
Pixel based Image layers do not have a coordinate system. This means that the mapping
system assumes the lower left corner of the map as coordinate (0,0) and the upper right
coordinate as (x,y) where x and y are the number of pixels of the bitmap in the x and y
direction.
For Vector Layers and Pixel Layers to be displayed simultaneously, the rows and columns of
the image must be mapped into the x,y plane of a map coordinate system. An image-to-world
transformation that converts the image coordinates to map coordinates must be established.
Some image formats store geo-referencing information in the file header of the image or, in
the case of images that do not contain this geo-referencing information, facilities exist in other
products available from ESRI, for creating a file that contains the necessary transformation
parameters.
The file that contains the transformation parameters is called a world file. The world file
always takes precedence over any header information.
The utility supports five different pixel format files: TIF, PNG, JPG, GIF and BMP files. The
corresponding world reference files have the extension TFW, PGW, JGW, GFW and BPW.
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NOTE: the image files and corresponding world-files need to be kept together in the same
directory!!
The user has two different options to provide the information to be able to translate the pixel
information:
Method A
Use a georeference ruler to define a distance and define one georeference point.
By using the georeference ruler, the user can draw a reference line (a ruler) anywhere on the
map. This reference line should be a location on the map with a known distance. In Google
Earth screen dumps, this may be the distance identification in the lower left corner.
Use the
button to activate the ruler. After pinpointing the distance with the mouse, a
dialog will open that can be used to define the corresponding "real world length" of the pixel
based background.
Note that it might be convenient to zoom in on the area were a distance is known. The end
point of the ruler can be dragged with the mouse to define a known distance. The
georeference length dialog can be used to define the corresponding conversion destination
dimension (=real world length) of the ruler. Note that is is possible to modify the original dx (x
distance) and dy (y distance) as selected with the ruler.
This option assumes that the chart has an isometric X- and Y axis scaling: e.g. 10 pixels on
the X-direction will have the same distance as 10 pixels in the Y direction. Press <OK> to
save the reference file.
After this, it is possible to define a reference coordinate: simply <right click> on the
background image and select "Georeference point" to enter a known coordinate of a selected
point.
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Method B, suing the "georeference expert"

Define the boundaries of a background map:
By using the "Georeference expert" option ( <right click> : popup menu Georeference expert)
the user can define the Xstart, Xend, Ystart and Yend values (in meters) of the loaded
background map. The selection coordinates and dimensions panel displays the currently
used boundaries, which may be pixel boundaries.
Note that whenever a pixel image is loaded without a corresponding world file, the default
value of 1 pixel = 1 meter will be used, and the upper left corner will be used ass the 0,0
coordinate.
The conversion destinations (bottom) panel can be used to define the required boundaries of
the background map.
After selecting the <OK> button, the adjusted reference file will be saved.
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4.13
RISKCURVES
Risk transects
Risk transects are graphical presentations of the individual risk along a defined line on the
map.
Start defining a transect by selecting the "draw transect" toolbar button or the "draw transect"
entry in the map popup menu. Simply drag on the map to draw a line and after defining the
line, the corresponding transcet graph will be drawn in the right bottom window. Note that the
transect graph can be hidden or shown, use the "View", "Transect graph" menu entry to
activate/deactivate the view.
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Since the transect graph is rather small in its default position, this panel can be dragged and
resized as a floating panel. All graphic functionality for graphs is also available for the transect
graph panel.
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Technical backgrounds
5.1
QRA Definitions
5.1.1
Calculation Set
113

5.1.2
Calculation settings is a typical collector or grouping node.
It doesnt have its own parameters, but combines several groups of parameters, to be applied
to all input contained in a calculation set. Typical parameters are Accuracy describing
parameters influencing calculation accuracy and speed, Vulnerability settings describing the
relation between physical phenomena and damage (lethality), and Environment parameters,
describing ambient temperature, humidity, solar radiation etc. for the typical location.
5.1.3
Accuracy parameters
Accuracy settings contain parameters that influence the accuracy of the calculation, and very
often also calculation speed, since speed and accuracy are somehow connected.
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Lowest significant frequency

This is the lowest frequency that will be taken into consideration. If the frequency of an
event is lower than this value, it will be neglected.
Cell size for risk grid

This parameter defines the grid resolution of the contour map. Note that contours will be
calculated based on a Iso Risk grid. By default a cell size of 10 meter is used. However if
the range of the affected area becomes very big (routes of many kilometers, toxic events
with effect areas upon many kilometers) this might lead to enormous grid (> 10^6 cells). In
those situations a re-sampling will be performed avoiding large memory usage.
As of version 9.012, this parameter is also used to influence the accuracy of the societal
risk calculation:
After the consequence calculation, the resulting lethality footprint is translated into a
"societal risk response" grid to be able to superimpose (a wind direction and stability class
dependent) lethality on the population. The cell resolution of these grids can be adjusted
with the provided value.
However, for large effect phenomena, this would lead to huge memory loads, because all
weather classes and every potential wind-direction has its own list of or "affected" cells.
For that reason, scenario's that would use more than 100*100 cells as its "response
footprint" will be forced to use an increased cell size. Furthermore, scenarios with shorter
maximum effect distances (less than 100 mtr) will always be calculated at the standard
accuracy of 10 mtr cells.
The usage of this relatively small "response grid" size ensures that even when using a
population distribution in much bigger cells (50 mtr), an accurate estimation of the number
of lethal victims is achieved. (e.g. in case of a partial overlap of the lethal footprint with the
population grid)
Number subsectors FN calculation
By default RISKCURVES defines 12 wind directions. This implies however that
RISKCURVES can miss some population concentrations when it performs societal risk
calculations.
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This is shown in the left drawing. Two clouds for a 30 wind direction (=360/12) miss the
important object resulting in risk underestimation. In the right drawing, 15 wind direction (=24
wind directions) were chosen resulting in a hit of the object.
The value in this field defaults to 9 (108 wind directions).
Number of subsectors for FX calculation

About the same explanation as for FN calculations holds for individual risk calculations. Again,
a hypothetical person could be missed, especially where he stands far away from the cloud
and the cloud tip is relatively small when compared with the sector circumference. In general
when this factor is increased (values up to 20 are useful) the individual risk will decrease as
Riskcurves will calculate more accurately the risk caused by overlap/underlap of a cloud
compared with the sector width. The drawback is more calculation duration. More narrow
clouds have a smaller risk than wide clouds which is obvious as wide clouds can overlap to
adjacent sectors. This methodology takes it all into account at a value of 20.
Inter accident distance FX

When calculating individual risk contours along a transport route, contours can become
caterpillar shaped instead of a smooth line. This is caused when the inter-accident distance
used to calculate individual risk is too large. The factor defaults to 50 mtr which means that
possible accident points are located 50 meter from each other. When using scenario's with
effect distances lower than 50 mtrs, is is advised to narrow the inter accident distance.
Inter accident distance FN

This factor is used to influence the inter-accident distance during societal risk calculations.
Consider the following example:
The above example illustrates a road transport. RISKCURVES will generate accident points
and calculate the size of the gas clouds.
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In the left situation the accident points are separated too far and therefore the calculation
misses an important object because the clouds can not reach it. In the right in situation, more
accident points are generated and the object is hit.
The factor defaults to 50 mtr which means that possible accident points are located 50 meter
from each other. When using scenario's with maximum effect distances much lower than 50
mtrs, is is advised to narrow the inter accident distance.
Maximum number of accident points
To limit an enormous number of calculations when RISKCURVES want to generate accident
points for long routes but small consequences, this is the maximum number of accident
points it will use
5.1.4
Vulnerability parameters
Vulnerability parameters define how a specific physical effect is translated towards damage.
For toxic materials, this is derived from their toxic probits which are stored in the chemical
database, but for flame contact, heat radiation and overpressure, dedicated damage
translation can be defined..
Lethal fraction flash fire
This is the fraction of mortality used within the footprint of a flame envelope determined by a
LEL footprint. Again, the height of the flammable cloud is not taken into account. Leave it to
fraction 1 (100%) unless you have good reasons to change it.
Lethal fraction flame contour
This is the fraction of mortality used within the footprint of a poolfire or jetfire (no matter the
height)
Leave it to fraction 1 (100%) unless you have good reasons to change it.
Heat radiation level total destruction
This parameter defines the heat radiation level that will be associated with total destruction:
100% lethality inside and outside and is used in both individual risk FX and societal risk FN
calculations
Heat Radiation Exposure Duration
This value determines the maximum duration of exposure to heat load, as used in
consequence calculations. Default is set to: 20.0 seconds
Protection factor clothing
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The protection factor applied for clothing, used for societal risk calculations on heat radiation.
A probit calculation will be applied on heat radiation, leading to a lethality. This lethality is
corrected with this factor to obtain the damage in case of societal (protected) calculations
Heat radiation damage probits
By default, the vulnerability model (probit function) as described in the Green Book [4] has
been used for the exposure to heat radiation:
with q = the heat radiation level in [W/m 2] and t = the exposure duration in [sec], which is
assumed to be maximum 20 sec (defined by parameter max heat radiation exposure
duration). The probit value is transferred to a fraction of mortality (0..1) afterwards. This
implies a probit A of -36.38, Probit B = 2.56, and probit N = 4/3
Because some countries are accustomed to use other probits, these A, B and N values can
be modified.
The methodology described above is valid for individual and societal risk, but for inside
population a protection of 100% is assumed, as long as the level is lower than the heat
radiation total destruction level .
How to convert a probit to a fraction of mortality

The probit value Pr as mentioned several times in the chapters before varies between 2 and
9. To convert the probit value to a percentage of mortality, the table below is used.
The probit values are listed within the table itself. From the side and the top of the table, the
percentage of mortality can be read. For example: A probit value of 4.01 (second row)
corresponds with a value of 16% mortality.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
99
3.72
4.16
4.48
4.75
5.00
5,25
5.52
5.84
6.28
7.33
2.67
3.77
4.19
4.50
4.77
5.03
5.28
5.55
5.88
6.34
7.37
2.95
3.82
4.23
4.53
4.80
5.05
5.31
5.58
5.92
6.41
7.41
3.12
3.87
4.26
4.56
4.92
5.08
5.33
5.61
5.95
6.48
7.46
3.25
3.92
4.29
4.59
4.85
5.10
5.36
5.64
5.99
6.55
7.51
3.36
3.96
4.33
4.61
4.87
5.13
5.39
5.67
6.04
6.64
7.58
3.45
4.01
4.36
4.64
4.90
5.15
5.41
5.71
6.08
6.75
7.65
3.52
4.05
4.39
4.67
4.92
5.18
5.44
5.74
6.13
6.88
7.75
3.59
4.08
4.42
4.69
4.95
5.20
5.47
5.77
6.18
7.05
7.88
3.66
4.12
4.45
4.72
4.97
5.23
5.50
5.81
6.23
7.33
8.09
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Pressure level total destruction

This value is used to define the peak pressure level at which inside and outside lethality
is assumed to be 100% (total destruction zone). Default value is 300 mBar (0.3 Bar)
Lethal fraction pressure total destruction zone
Defines the lethality within the total destruction pressure level zone. By default 100% (fraction
1)
Pressure damage based on
The translation to damage by overpressure can be defined by
1. Using two pressure levels: total destruction and inside (glas) fragments.
2. Using a probit based on Peak pressure: Pr = A + B * ln(PeakPressure^N)
3. Using a probit based on exposed pressure impulse Pr = A + B * ln(Pressure Impulse^N)
In case 3, the pressure impulse is calculated as (0.5 * peakpressure * positive phase
duration). Method 3 cannot be applied when using the TNT overpressure calculation, because
that method does not provide a positive phase duration answer; one needs to use the Multi
Energy method for method 3.
Peak pressure inside damage

This pressure defines the minimum pressure level for inside damage. All areas with pressure
between "total destruction" and "inside damage" levels, will be treated with the corresponding
inside damage lethality level. The lethality fraction will only be applied in societal risk
calculations, on inside population. The pressure level will also be used as a treshold level for
pressure contours presented by TNT or Multi Energy models.
Lethal fraction Pressure inside damage
All areas with pressure between "total destruction" and "inside damage" levels, will be treated
with this corresponding inside damage lethality level. The lethality fraction will only be applied
in societal risk calculations, on inside population.
Perform toxic indoors calculation
The toxic exposure inside can be calculated based on the actual concentration time profile
and ventilation rate. This calculation is invoked by selecting "Yes" in this setting. The
calculation is performed inside the Dispersion Toxic dose models which will also present a
Inside lethality grid (expert parameter).
The inside lethality is strongly influenced by passage time of the cloud, and ventilation ratio.
Fixed indoors outdoors toxic ratio
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By default, the QRA calculation uses a ratio of 1/10: lethality inside is one tenth of lethality
outside. For long release durations, high exposures, or high ventilation ratios, this may be a
very optimistic assumption: even an outside dose which is much higher than 100% lethality
still has maximum 100% lethality, thus 10% lethality inside.
Indoor Ventilation ratio
This parameter is used in the calculation of inside lethality by toxic exposure. The ventilation
ratio highly affects inside toxic exposure. The default value is 1 times per hour, representing
natural ventilation. Note that for mechanical ventilation situation values ranging from 2.5 (living
room) to 10 (bathrooms, moist environment) are common.
Toxic Exposure duration
The exposure duration is used to calculate a toxic dose, integrating the concentration
(modified including the probit constants) as function of time over that period. (see inclined
lines in graph at start of exposure).
The duration of exposure is needed as the dose increases the longer one is exposed to an
effect. Normally, a default value of 30min (1800s) is used.
If in a given location the effect duration is lower than the exposure duration (the passage
time of the toxic cloud is around 60s and the user chose an exposure duration of 1800s)
EFFECTS will internally rearrange the exposure duration so there is not a loss of accuracy
in the result of the integration process.
Example
The exposure duration is a powerful tool to model evacuation or sheltering. Say, a release
happens and people can find shelter after 10 minutes. If we assume that people can find
100% shelter inside houses we can model this as follows:
1. Set the start of exposure to zero
2. Set the exposure duration to the time that people can find shelter (600s)
In this case the model starts the exposure at t = zero, which means that people close to
the source of release will suffer from the effects but people further away from the release
will be exposed to lower concentrations because the cloud has not reached them yet. All
these are taken into account by the model.
NOTE 1: Different methods of applying this exposure duration are possible, see "exposure
duration based on" parameter.
NOTE 2: By using the option "perform toxic indoors calculation" the dispersion model can
take into account that people inside houses will still be exposed to (lower) concentrations.
NOTE 3: For heat radiation, a dedicated "heat exposure duration" parameter is used,
which is default 20 seconds, because the human reaction to intensive heat radiation is
much quicker.
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RISKCURVES
Environment parameters
Environmental parameters define typical surrounding environment values, used within various
consequence calculations. Because separate calculations are being performed for day/night
weatherclass situations, some parameters have two (day and night) values.
Ambient Temperature
The average yearly temperature or the temperature you want to use for all calculations. In
general, the higher the temperature the larger the effects and consequences. Mostly a value
between 9 and 25 degrees Celsius is used.
Ground / Surface/ Bund temperature

The average yearly temperature of the subsoil that you want to use for pool evaporation
calculations. In general, the higher the temperature the larger the evaporation rate and
consequences.
Water temperature
The average yearly temperature of the water that you want to use for pool evaporation on
water calculations. In general, the higher the temperature the larger the evaporation rate and
consequences.
Air relative humidity

The relative humidity of the atmosphere due to the partial vapor pressure of water in the
atmosphere.
The relative humidity influences the atmospheric transmissivity. For the Dutch situation the
normal variation is between 50 - 90%.
Fraction of CO2 in Atmosphere

The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere can be used for transmissivity calculations of solar
light. An average value is 0.03%
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Atmospheric pressure
The outside pressure is used in various dispersion and outflow calculations.
Solar Radiation Flux

The pool evaporation model uses an overall heat balance for the pool to calculate the
evaporation. This heat balance also includes solar heat radiation.
Users can choose whether to use a fixed value for solar heat radiation, or calculate the actual
value based on day, month, cloud cover and latitude of the location.
The solar heat radiation flux is the actual value for the heat flux as used in pool evaporation
calculations.
Note that values may range from negative (at night: earth radiates towards sky) to 1500
Watts/m 2 depending on the latitude, cloud coverage, and day of the year.
When the actual value has to be calculated, several other input values are required: earth
location latitude value, cloud cover and day/month of the year.
5.1.6
Meteorological data
The meteorological data definition contains the choice for the meteorological station to be
used. Any meteorological data set contains probabilities for typical weather classes (Pasquill
stability class, wind-speed, day or night) occurring at the location (see meterological
distribution). The number of weather classes defined will determine how many damage
definitions / consequence models are contained under a scenario (e.g only D5 and F2 or 6
different classes!).
5.1.7
Population
Population definition node contains the definition of population by means of grids (a matrix
like definition of cells) or polygons (area definition with number of inhabitants).
Population can be added by using the Population Import Wizard, or by manually adding a
polygon and defining an are with population. See defining Population.
The total cumulation of all grids and polygons under the grouping node will be used to create
a total population grid, used within the calculation sets Societal Risk calculation.
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Both day an night grid will use a separate "Inside fraction" determining the fraction of the
people that are inside houses and have a some degree of protection (see vulnerability
settings)
When using "temporary polygons", it is possible to use a dedicated "inside fraction" and
"utilization fraction" (a presence factor).
Temporary population can be used to include the presence of large crowds (e.g. festivals,
sport events) during a FRACTION of the time. This is particular relevant if large numbers of
people are outside (thus unprotected).
5.1.8
Equipment
Equipment: a location or route on which scenarios are being analysed (distinguishing
STATIONARY and TRANSPORT equipment). Note that these nodes can be expanded, they
are placeholders or grouping nodes for a list of coordinates, or routes.
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Scenario
Scenario: a Loss Of Containment scenario occurring at an equipment (either a stationary
location or a transport route), which has a specific failure frequency, and contains
consequence definitions: a description of the scenario in terms of substance, quantities,
release situation or resulting damage.
5.1.10 Modelset
A Modelset is the placeholder for the actual consequence definition. It contains either a
damage definition or consequence calculation, which is defined for a number meteorological
conditions
It is possible to define altered input values for specific weather class conditions by selecting
the weatherclass from the combobox.
5.1.11 Cumulation set

A cumulation set can be used to make a dedicated cumulation of risk sources that does not
contain all equipment or all scenario's, presented corresponding SR or IR results.
Simple right click the cumulation node and select < Add Cumulation set> . The corresponding
input panel allows to select or deselct any scenario or equipment from the list.
5.1.12 Comparison set

A Comparison set allows to compare results for Calculations Sets or Cumulation sets; it will
provide multiple graphs and contour.
5.1.13 Analysis points

An Analysis point provides the possibility to perform a risk contribution analysis for a specific
coordinate.
Every point will provide an Individual Risk Ranking report, and when societal risk maps are
activated, it will also present the corresponding societal risk curve or societal risk contribution
for that location.
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5.1.14 Damage definition

The damage definition can be used to enter a known consequence area. The use of a
damage definition, avoids the requirement of a consequence calculation by the internal
models. If for a typical industrial site, various identical equipment are available, it might be
useful to perform one single calculation, and add the resulting damage zones as a damage
definition, thus avoiding calculation time.
Damage definitions always include ONE specific phenomenon, such as (circular) Bleve and
local cloud fire, explosion, jet- and poolfire, or toxic damage zones. depending on the typical
definition, the number of parameters might differ.
Some definitions use values that are entered in a table. Enter the values (distance is row
ascending, lethal fraction should be row descending) and press < down> to go to the next
row. Is is also possible to copy/paste these values from a spreadsheet.
While entering values in a table, a implicit test is being performed on the consistency of the
input, the damage dimensions should be row ascending and lethality row descending. If this
requirement is not fulfilled, the definition will have a RED label.
A Bleve damage definition requires input:

- radius of the fireball ; within this radius, 100% lethality is assumed.
- radius of peak overpressure ; within this radius, 100% lethality is assumed.
- radius of 25 kW/m2; within this radius, 100% lethality is assumed.
- lethality unprotected outside: within this table, users can define lethality versus distance.
A Local Cloud fire damage definition requires input:

- radius of the flashfire; within this radius, 100% lethality (can be overridden with vulnerability
setting lethal fraction flashfire) is assumed.
An Explosion damage definition requires as input:

- Chance flash AND explosion: for an explosion, both an overpressure and flash fire
phenomenon can occur. Provided the situation that there is an ignition, (and thus a flashfire),
there is a probability of an overpressure effect happening. This probability is defined is this
parameter "Chance Flash AND Explosion" .
Note that this assumption might differ from other QRA models; it is assumed that
overpressure cannot occur without a flash fire, so we have either a flashfire or a flashfire with
overpressure effects (and not either overpressure or fire damage) .
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-Length and weight of flashfire define the size of the damage zone of the flame envelope,
described as an ellipse.
-The offset of the flashfire can be used to define the distance from release location where the
ignition takes place. The offset defines the distance to the boundary of the flame envelope.
- The offset of the overpressure effects can be used to change the center location of the
overpressure. By default, the overpressure centre is assumed to be the centre of the cloud.
This overpressure offset will move the explosion centre, a positive value will move the
overpressure centre away from the release centre.
- Readius pressure level total destruction and Inside damage. Overpressure damage zones
are being defined as two circles: one (high pressure) zone which will have total destruction
(typically 0.3 bar overpressure level) and on giving only inside damage due to glass
fragmentation. The associated vulnerability is derived from vulnerability settings lethal
fraction total destruction pressure level and lethal fraction inside pressure level
A pool- and jetfire damage definition uses:

- Flame Length, width and offset: defines the elliptical shape of the flame itself. The offset is
an offset of the tail of the flame, relative to the release location. Within the flame envelope the
lethality as defined within vulnerability setting lethal fraction in flame contour is used.
- Lethality contour levels: these length, width and offset values are used to define elliptical
shaped damage zones.
A toxic damage definition uses:

- Lethality contour levels for OUTSIDE and INSIDE: these length, width and offset values are
used to define elliptical shaped damage zones.
5.1.15 Societal Risk

The Societal Risk (SR) is defined as the chance per year that a group of a specific size
becomes lethal victim of an accident with dangerous substances. The Societal Risk is
presented in a FN curve, presenting the frequency (chance) on a logarithmic Y axis versus
the number of victims on a logarithmic X-axis.
It is also referred to as "Group Risk"
5.1.16 Individual Risk

The Individual Risk (IR) is defined as the chance per year that a person on a specific
location, who is continually and unprotected present at that spot, is victim of an accident with
dangerous substances. The Iso Risk Contours on a map present locations were the IR has
identical values.
In some countries the Individual risk is being referred as "Locational Risk" indicating the the
value is valid for one specific location or coordinate
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5.1.17 Iso Risk Contours

The individual risk criteria assumes 100% presence and an unprotected situation outside. A
so-called Iso Risk Contour can be drawn by connecting all points with equal Individual Risk.
The Individual Risk can also be presented in a so-called FX curve, which presents the
fraction lethal versus distance from the release point, for different wind-directions.
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Risk contours are available on the level of a calculation set, cumulation sets, comparison
sets and individual equipments.
A Risk transect can be provide for a specific line track. Such a transect will provide the risk
as a function of the place along this track.
5.1.18 Societal Risk (FN) Curve

The Societal Risk Curve (FN-curve) presents the cumulated risk that a group of specific size
will be killed. The FN curve is depicted as a two dimension graph, using a logarithmic scale
on frequency F (Y-axis) and number of victims N (X-axis) axiss. The curve is interpreted
using a Guide value, which is a line that should preferably not be crossed. RISKCURVES
will present a Guide Ratio R value, indicating the distance to this guide value (a guide ratio
>1 implies exceeding the guide line), and also presents the Expected value E which is the
size of the area below the FN curve.
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A FN curve appears to be not very easy to understand or explain. The curve is the result of
spatially distributed risk sources that may influence a geographically distributed population
distribution, whereas the result only present a curve. Questions that often raise are: Do we
have a problem and Where is this problem or What is causing this problem. To be able
to answer these kind of questions, a Societal Risk Map was developed and these
presentations are now available within RISKCURVES 9.
5.1.19 Project file

This RISKCURVES Project file contains all settings and input to be used for a calculation. The file
extension is .Riskcurves and it is stored a zipped XML file.
5.1.20 SR Maps
SR (Societal Risk) Maps is basically a geographical "Area Specific Societal Risk"
presentation of a societal risk, being a two dimensional curve.
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As a result of the demand for a visualization of the societal risk, a new type of presentation
was developed in 2007. The question was raised when a societal risk calculation is fed with
geographical based information on population, and geographical based scenario locations,
why can we not see a geographical distribution of the societal risk.
Such a presentation would be very convenient for emergency response (were are the people
who are threatened by accident) or urban planning activities (how much space left for
population without exceeding societal risk limits: the guide value)
To provide answers to both question two types of graphs were developed: the Societal Risk
Area Map and the Societal Risk Contribution map.
The Societal Risk Area map gives an indication of which areas are affected and
the height of the risk
whereas
The Societal risk Contribution Map gives an indication which cells contribute
to the societal risk
The bases for the presentation is that every grid cell from the population grid has its own FN
curve. In the case of the Contribution map, this curve relates to the victims within this
population cell. The higher the risk of this cell (expressed as the expected value of the curve)
the more red the color will be.
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For the contribution map, the expected value is used to translate the two dimensional FN
graph into a color. The type of coloring can be adjusted, it appears that using a 6 color levels
(use legend ) provides the best contrast, but other coloring might improve the visualization.
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This way the curve represents the full societal risk of scenario's for the area. Note that this
area bounded FN curve will never exceed the overall FN curve for all cells.
For the societal Risk Maps it is important to understand that the risk is determined from the
receivers point of view (instead of from source).
Furthermore, because of the nature of the method, cumulating of various risk sources is
possible: transport & stationary installations, small & large scenarios
The idea behind this new type of visualisation is that this provides a supplementary view of
what is happening, and the maps facilitate considering societal risk in early stage of planning
process:
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- the SR Area map shows areas with restrictions

- the SR Contribution map shows which areas contribute most (emergency response)
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The consequence models within a modelset

Consequence models will enable users to assess the physical effects of accidental releases
of toxic and flammable chemicals. The consequence models inside RISKCURVES are
based on a series of models from the Yellow Book [3rd edition, second print 2005], that allow
detailed modelling and quantitative assessment of:
Release rate: discharge from a vessel or a pipe of gas, liquid or pressurized liquefied gas:
vapour, liquid, two-phase and spray release
Pool evaporation: from land or water surfaces of a boiling or a non-boiling liquid
Atmospheric dispersion: neutral gas, heavy gas and turbulent free jet
Vapour cloud explosion: the TNO multi-energy method or TNT model
Heat radiation from fires: BLEVE, poolfire, or jet fire.
the calculation core of RISKCURVES contains consequence models from EFFECTS, which
allows the possibility of linking models. By transferring the output of a previous model to the
input of a subsequent model it is possible to reduce manual data transfer and to assess the
physical effects of complete release scenarios.
Note that the models can also be selected in the scenario selection panel on the left of the
screen:
Typical predefined chains of models "Combined models" have been defined, allowing to use
a chain of models that perform calculations of all possible phenomena's that can occur for a
specific chemical and LOC scenario.
For every consequence model, a Yellow Book reference is given for the complete description
of the model. Within this manual the features of the models are described shortly. In a
separate last section the input and output model parameters are explained.
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The detailed description of the various models, including incorporated formula's and relations,
can be found in specific chapters of the Yellow Book:
Chapter 2: Outflow and Spray release, separated into Gas release, Liquefied gas
releases and liquid releases
Chapter 3: Pool evaporation
Chapter 4: Atmospheric (vapour cloud) dispersion
Chapter 5: Vapour cloud explosion
Chapter 6: Heat flux from fires
In the paragraphs below the various effect models for each group of models will be
described, including information about:
the reference for the description of the model;

the use and characteristics of the model;
explanation of input and output parameters;
an example calculation with the model, with explanation of the results;
description of the linking with other models.
The physical effects occurring upon a release of hazardous material are calculated with the
integrated TNO EFFECTS models, which are based on the models described in the Yellow
Book [3]. The EFFECTS modules have been incorporated in RISKCURVES.
5.2.1
Gas release
The release models calculate the release rate when loss of containment occurs in certain
situations. The situations refer to the physical state of the chemical and the characteristics of
the failure.
EFFECTS will check whether a suitable release model is selected based on physical state of
the chemical and the release conditions like temperature, pressure, location of the hole and
the calculated height of the expanded liquid in a vessel. An error message will appear if an
incorrect model is selected, indicating the physical state of the chemical under the specific
release conditions.
Distinction is made between a gas release from a vessel or a (short) pipe connected to a
vessel, and a (non-stationary) release from a long pipeline, not (necessarily) connected to a
vessel.
The "gas release 10 minutes" model will search for a corresponding hole size for a 10
minutes scenario: Which size of the hole is required to get an representative rate which
equals the flow required for the scenario in which the full inventory is released in 10 minutes
5.2.1.1
Gas release from a vessel or pipe
Reference
The model is described in the Yellow Book [1997], sections 2.5.2.1 to 2.5.2.4.
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Characteristics and use

The model is suitable for the following situation: Hole in a vessel or in pipe connected to a
vessel containing (compressed) gas only. The hole in the pipe may either be a small leak or a
full bore rupture.
The initial release rate mainly depends on the leak size, the discharge coefficient, the initial
pressure inside the vessel and the length of the pipe (in case of a release from a pipe).
Because gas flows out of the vessel, and assuming no gas is being supplied, the pressure in
the vessel will drop and therefore the release rate decreases in time. The rate of decrease
mainly depends on the vessel volume. The expansion of the gas, because the pressure
drops from the pressure of the releasing gas to ambient, is taken into account. The model
assumes adiabatic outflow.
Releases from a hole in a pipe connected to a vessel are in principal not different from the
releases from a hole in the vessel itself, with the exception of the friction resistances of the
flow through the pipeline. For this resistance the Fanning friction factor is used, which
depends on the length, the diameter and the internal roughness of the pipe.
5.2.1.2
Gas release from a long pipeline
Reference
The model is described in the Yellow Book [1997], section 2.5.2.5. and is also called the
"Wilson model"

The model is suitable for the following situation: Total rupture of a long gas pipeline, not
(necessarily) connected to a vessel. Distinction is made between outflow from a full-bore
rupture and through a small hole in the pipeline.
The initial release rate mainly depends on the pipe diameter (= leak size) or hole size, the
friction of the flow inside the pipeline depending on the wall roughness and the initial pressure
inside the pipeline. Because of the release the pressure inside the pipeline will drop in the
region of the leak at first. The pressure drop travels along the length of the pipeline, with a
velocity equal to the sound velocity. This causes the gas release to become non-stationary
until the pressure drop reaches the end of the pipeline. This is the point at which the model
stops the calculation. The ongoing release can be assumed to be stationary and continuous
until the pipeline is empty.
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Note that model assumes a single sided outflow at the end of a pipe with the provided
length. The model is often linked to the "Turbulent Free Jet" model, which needs consistent
input with respect to flowrate, pressure and corresponding diameter.
Although the model includes an output value "model valid until time" the determining outflow
rate ("representative rate") is usually occurring within this time.
The representative duration is calculated as the time needed to empty the pipe at this rate,
and this duration is allowed to be larger than "model valid until time": this is the estimated
duration of the outflow, WHEN IT SHOULD EMPTY AT THE REPRESENTATIVE RATE. In
reality the outflow duration will be much longer, because is starts at a high rate, but this rate
rapidly decreases to very low values.
5.2.2
Liquefied gas release

For a liquefied gas release the following differentiation in type of release is made:
A distinction is made between a vapour, champagne or a pressurized liquefied gas release

from a vessel or a (short) pipe connected to a vessel.
For a pressurized liquefied gas the following differentiation in type of release is made,
depending on the location of the hole related to the liquid level in the vessel.
DIERS (Top venting)

The hole is above liquid level in the vapour phase, but below the expanded boiling liquid level.
Because of the release of vapour the liquid starts to boil and the expanded boiling liquid may
reach the location of the hole. In that case liquid drops will be carried along with the releasing
vapour.
Simple vapour release

Hole above liquid level in the vapour phase and also above the expanded boiling liquid level. In
that case only vapour will release.
Liquefied gas from long pipeline (Morrow)

This model is dedicated to calculate the two phase release from a long pipeline. In the
combined models (universal release or LOC models), this model is used whenever the
pipeline length exceeds 1 km. Note that the release is based on the contents of the (blocked)
pipeline itelf.
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Instantaneous flashing release

This model calculates the division into an airborne mass and a rainout mass. It calculates the
adiabatic flash (the amount of liquid that can evaporate when cooling to to atmospheric boiling
temperature) and uses an empirical correction on this for liquid fraction in the cloud.
Spray release
This model calculates the rainout and droplet (aerosol) formation of a two phase continues
release.
Pressurized Liquefied gas release (TPDIS, bottom venting)

The hole is below liquid level in the liquid phase.
Because of the pressure drop inside the pipeline connected to the vessel vapour will be
formed inside the pipeline. The resulting release will be a two-phase release; both liquid and
vapour releasing. In the case that the pipeline is very short (hole in vessel) only liquid will
release.
For pressurized liquefied gases the models to calculate the flash evaporation and the
evaporation due to the mixing with air immediate after the release (e.g. spray release) are
part of the release rate models.
5.2.2.1
DIERS top venting (vessel only)
Reference
The model is described in the Yellow Book [1997], Paragraph 2.5.3.2

The model is suitable for the following situation: Vessel containing a pressurized liquefied gas
with a hole in the vessel above liquid level in the vapour phase, but below the expanded
boiling liquid level. In the vessel a vapour-liquid equilibrium holds, with a pressure equal to the
vapour pressure at given temperature.
Because of the release of vapour the liquid starts to boil and the expanded boiling liquid may
reach the location of the hole. In that case liquid drops will be carried along with the releasing
vapour. The release rate is considerably increased by this champagne effect. The expanded
boiling level is determined by the hole size, release conditions (pressure) and the properties
of the chemical.
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5.2.2.2
RISKCURVES
Vapour release from vessel or pipe
Reference
The model is described in the Yellow Book [1997], section 2.5.3.

with a hole in the vessel or in a pipe connected to a vessel above liquid level in the vapour
phase and also above the expanded boiling liquid level. In the vessel a vapour-liquid
equilibrium holds, with a pressure equal to the saturated vapour pressure at a given
temperature. The model is based on the phenomenon of adiabatic vapour release.
The initial release rate mainly depends on the leak size, the discharge coefficient and the
initial pressure inside the vessel. Because vapour releases, the pressure in the vessel will
drop, causing the liquid to start to boil off. Because of the boiling the temperature of the liquid
in the vessel will decrease and so the vapour pressure decreases. Therefore the vapour
release rate decreases in time.
Releases from a hole in a pipeline connected to a vessel are in principal not different from the
releases from a hole in the vessel itself, with the exception of the friction of the flow through
the pipeline. This friction depends on the length, the diameter and the internal roughness of
the pipe.
In an equilibrium situation the remaining liquid cools down to its boiling point at atmospheric
pressure. The expansion of the vapour, because the pressure drops from the pressure of the
releasing vapour to ambient, is taken into account.
5.2.2.3
Pressurized liquefied gas release from vessel or pipe
Reference
The model used is the 2-phase flow model TPDIS developed by the Finnish Meteorological
Institute [Kukkonen]. The model is described in the Yellow Book [1997], section 2.5.3.5.
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with a hole in the vessel or a hole in a pipe connected to a vessel below liquid level in the
liquid phase. In the vessel a vapour-liquid equilibrium holds, with a pressure equal to the
vapour pressure at given temperature.
This 2-phase flow model assumes that for a length of the pipeline connected to the vessel
smaller than 0.1 m (and also for a hole in vessel) only liquid release results; no vapour is
formed before the release.
The initial liquid release mainly depends on the leak size and the pressure in the vessel.
Because of the liquid release the liquid level decreases, by which the vapour phase
increases. Therefore more vapour will be formed by boiling of the liquid, by which the
temperature and hence pressure in the vessel decreases. Because of this phenomena and
of the decreasing of the liquid height in the vessel the liquid release rate will decrease
somewhat in time.
In case of a leak in a pipeline containing a pressurized liquefied gas a pressure drop inside
the pipeline may occur. This occurs mainly for a large leak (about equal to the pipe diameter)
and for a pipe length larger than about 0.1 m. As a result of the pressure drop inside the
pipeline, vapour will already be formed inside the pipeline and the resulting release is 2phase, both liquid and vapour. The TPDIS model will check for itself whether the release will
be 2-phase or only liquid.
The basic model assumptions of TPDIS [Kukkonen] are the following.

In the model the flow has been divided into three flow regimes: (I) superheated liquid, (II)
expanding two-phase fluid and (III) equilibrium two-phase fluid. Homogeneous equilibrium flow
has been assumed in the third flow regime. The homogeneity assumption implies that the
fluid is a homogeneous mixture of vapour and liquid, and that the phases move with the same
velocity. For long pipes, the length of the regime (III) may be nearly equal to the pipe length.
The process is assumed to be adiabatic. This is a reasonable assumption, as the outflow is
very rapid, and the heat energy conducted through the pipe walls is therefore much less than
the energy of the phase transitions.
5.2.2.4
Spray release of pressurized liquefied gas from vessel or pipe
Reference
The model is described in the Yellow Book [1997], section 2.5.3.7.
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The model is suitable for the following situation: evaporation of a release of pressurized
liquefied gas from a vessel or a pipe with a boiling point below ambient temperature;
(pressurized) liquefied gas release or champagne release.
The evaporation of a released pressurized liquefied gas will be determined by the following
phenomena:
Flash-off. A flash-off means that as a result of the reduction of the pressure to

atmospheric pressure the liquid will spontaneously start to boil. The necessary heat of
evaporation for this is drawn from the liquid which will cool down to its boiling temperature at
atmospheric pressure as a result.
Rain out and air entrainment. The release and the flash-off will generally be so violent
that the liquid in the jet will be broken into drops and the jet will mix with air. The liquid drops
will fall onto the ground (rain out). Due to the air entrainment, part of the liquid drops will
evaporate during falling. Because of the withdrawal of the heat necessary for this evaporation
the temperature of the air-vapour mixture will decrease to below the boiling temperature of the
chemical. The spray release model calculates the amount of the liquid that will rain out, which
forms a pool on the subsurface.
Linking of model data

The following parameters will be linked to other models.
Link to neutral gas dispersion - (semi-)continuous release:
net air-borne mass flow rate

source dimensions
Link to heavy gas dispersion model - horizontal/vertical jet:
net air-borne mass flow rate

source dimensions
temperature after rain out (boiling point)
vapour mass fraction after rain out
Link to pool evaporation, boiling pool:
total mass liquid rained out
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REMARK:
The pool evaporation model is suitable for instantaneous releases, therefore
this model has to be used with care in the link with the spray release model. A solution will be
the following:
From experiments it is known that in most cases all the liquid drops in a spray release will be
evaporated by the mixing with air. This means no rain out of liquid. This total evaporation of
the spray can be calculated by adjusting the source exit height to higher values. The ongoing
dispersion of this total evaporated spray release can be directly calculated with the suitable
dispersion model (see above). Within the dispersion model the height of the source has to be
adjusted to the actual value.
5.2.2.5
Instantaneous flashing liquid release
Reference
The model based on AMINAL- Belgium, "Nieuwe richtlijn voor het berekenen van flash en
spray" doc.97/001, which is original source of table 4.8 of Purple Book CPR 18E.

The model is suitable for the following situation: evaporation of an instantaneous release of
pressurized liquefied gas. Instantaneous release means that the entire contents of the vessel
or system are released in a very short time.
The evaporation of an instantaneous released amount of pressurized liquefied gas will be

determined by the flash-off and by the evaporation due to mixing with air. Based on
experiments the total airborn mass equals may be about 2 times the flashed amount, but
depends on the adiabatic flash fraction
The consequence of this evaporation is that an instantaneous gas cloud will occur. The
remaining liquid, which is cooled to its boiling point will form a pool on the ground. For this a
suitable pool evaporation model have to be used.
Because the model uses the AMINAL approximation to calculate the total mass in the cloud,
this total "airborne mass" (mass remaining in air: not rained out) is partly vapour (the
adiabatic flash amount) and partly liquid droplets.
When using a dispersion model based on the calculated total mass, and there is liquid in the
cloud, it is suggested to use a "Dense dispersion model".

Link to neutral gas dispersion - instantaneous release:
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mass of vapour evolved
Link to heavy gas dispersion - instantaneous gas release:
mass of vapour evolved
temperature vapour/liquid (at boiling point)
Link to pool evaporation - boiling liquid:
mass of liquid in pool
REMARK:
The total mass evaporated calculated with the model for pool evaporation
from land of a boiling liquid is considered as an instantaneous source and can be added to
the mass of vapour evolved due to the flashing liquid instantaneous release. This total
evaporated amount (flash, mixing with air, boiling pool) can be linked to the total mass
released in the dispersion model (neutral and heavy gas) for an instantaneous source.
The calculated footprint of the local cloud fire is based on the shape of a half sphere, where
the material is mixed to Upper Explosion Limit. For non flammable materials, expansion of the
full airborne amount (including liquid droplets) to atmospheric vapour is considered.
Note that this half sphere (mixed with air and/or expanded to pure vapour) is not the typical
situation that should be used as input for dispersion. For that reason, the calculated density of
the airborn mass gives an impression on whether to use dense gas dispersion or neutral
gas dispersion (for 2 phase mixtures usually much heavier than air: densegas)
5.2.2.6
Liquefied gas from long pipeline
The Morrow model (non stationary outflow from long pipeline) can be used to calculate the
behaviour of expanding pressurized liquid in a pipeline after a rupture. Blocking of the pipeline
is assumed, and the release is based on the contents of the pipeline itself.
The model is valid until the distance to the interface (traveling pressure wave) is larger then
the length of the pipeline. The time that is need for these model calculations is shown in the
output box Model valid until time. After this the calculations continues with the predicted
mass flow rate of the last time step until all mass is removed.
Note that as of version 8.1, the model assumes a One sided outflow at the end of a pipe
with the provided length, just like the similar Wilson model for gas pipelines. This is changed
because the model is often linked to "spray release" which needs a consistent input with
respect to flowrate, pressure and diameter. If a two sided outflow is to be evaluated, two
separate pipelines need to be modeled.
Although the model includes an output value "model valid until time" the determining outflow
rate ("representative rate") is usually occurring within this time.
The (extrapolated) outflow duration is also calculated, but this is only an estimation because it
is larger than "model valid until time".
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It is not advised to use values from the graphs at time t higher than "model valid until time".
5.2.3
Liquid release
Reference
The model is described in the Yellow Book [1997], section 2.5.4.

The model is suitable for the following situation: Vessel containing a liquid with a hole in the
vessel or a hole in a pipe connected to a vessel below liquid level in the liquid phase. For this
model a liquid may be:
a non-boiling liquid (boiling point above ambient)
a gas cooled to liquid at or below its boiling point
a pressurized liquefied gas at a pressure higher than the vapour pressure at the
storage temperature.
For this model it is assumed that the pressure above the liquid level inside the vessel
remains constant.
The release rate is calculated using the Bernoulli equation. The release rate mainly depends
on the leak size and by the pressure above the liquid plus the hydrostatic pressure of the
column of liquid (from height of leak to filling height). Because of the release of liquid the
hydrostatic pressure of the liquid column will decrease and so the release rate decreases in
time. In total the amount of liquid between the height of the leak and the initial filling height will
be released.
Most times the releasing liquid will form a pool on the ground from which evaporation takes
place. For this a suitable pool evaporation model must be used.
Releases from a hole in a pipeline connected to a vessel are in principal not different from the
releases from a hole in the vessel itself, with the exception of the friction of the flow through
the pipeline. This friction depends on the length, the diameter and the internal roughness of
the pipe.
Keep in mind that this model is valid for a pipeline connected to a vessel without a pump
installed in this system. In the event that a pump is present upstream of the leak the release
rate will be maximized by the maximum rate of the pump. Furthermore in this case it has to
be identified whether the pump will still be running or will trip.
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RISKCURVES

Link to pool evaporation model for non-boiling liquids:
total mass released over total release duration
Link to pool evaporation model for boiling liquids, relevant for releases of gases cooled to
liquid at boiling point:
5.2.4
total mass released over total release duration
Pool evaporation
The pool evaporation models calculate the amount of vapour evaporated from a liquid pool,
which is formed on the surface after the release of liquid material.
The evaporation model can either work with instantaneous and continuous supply of liquid,
and will determine itself wether it is boiling or non-boiling liquid.
Furthermore the type underground (land or water) and spreading conditions (bunds) will have
to be provided by the user.
Spreading pool or Spreading in bunds

Each choice has its own specific behaviour with respect to pool area, thickness of the layer
and thus evaporation behaviour
Evaporation from land or water

Differentiation is made between non-boiling liquids and boiling liquids by the program itself,
based on temperature of the release, and the characteristics of the chemical. The model
determines the conditions by itself.
Non-boiling liquid
A non-boiling liquid is a liquid with a temperature below its boiling point. Normally the boiling
temperature of the chemical will be above the ambient temperature.
For a non-boiling liquid with a boiling temperature below the ambient temperature (=
temperature subsoil) the liquid will rise in temperature because of the heat drawn from the
subsoil by which the liquid will become a boiling liquid: Then the non-boiling evaporation
model is not suitable.
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Boiling liquid
In EFFECTS it is assumed that for the evaporation of a boiling liquid the temperature of the
liquid is equal to its boiling point, which is below the ambient temperature. This will be the
case for:
a gas cooled to liquid (refrigerated liquid)

a gas compressed to liquid: After the immediate evaporation (flash-off and by
entrainment of air) the possibly remaining liquid, which is cooled to its boiling point at
ambient pressure will form a liquid pool on the surface. Then the same situation has
occurred as for a refrigerated liquid.
Subsoil Type
Determines the heat transfer behaviour, see Subsoil type
Subsoil Roughness
The roughness description relates to the minimum pool thickness that can occur, see
Subsoil roughness.
Results:representative values
All "Purple book representative values" are being calculated on the base of the selected
representative step
Representative density
The density of the vapour that is released from the pool is calculated on the base of mixed
with air from a 0.5 mtr top layer
Source chemical: Surface area * source rate/m2 = source rate M evaporation [kg/s] at
atmospheric pressure and representative temperature
Input air: Wind speed [m/s] * width pool [m] * 0.5 m height * 1.2 kg/s = amount of air mixed M
air in in kg/s
The combination of these two rates and density gives the density of the mixture.
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Reference
"An advanced model for spreading and evaporation of accidentally released hazardous liquids
on land"
by I.J.M. Trijssenaar-Buhre, R.P. Sterkenburg & S.I. Wijnant-Timmerman
TNO, Utrecht, The Netherlands
5.2.5
Atmospheric dispersion
The gas or vapour released will be dispersed in the surrounding area under the influence of
the atmospheric turbulence. The concentrations of the gas or vapour released in the
surrounding area can be calculated by means of the atmospheric dispersion models. These
concentrations are important for determining whether, for example, an explosive gas cloud
can form or whether injuries will occur in the case of toxic gases. Within EFFECTS a first
differentiation is made between the following three types of dispersion models:
In the dispersion models account is taken of the atmospheric stability, the so-called Pasquill
classes (A to F) and a certain wind velocity. The source dimensions are taken into account
by means of an imaginary (virtual) point source wind upwards, for which the dispersed
dimensions at the point of the actual source are equal to the actual source dimensions. The
dispersion models apply only to open terrain. However allowance is made for the roughness
of the terrain. The influence of trees, houses, etc. on the dispersion can be determined by
means of a class of the roughness length.
Neutral gas dispersion

The neutral gas dispersion model is based on the Gaussian plume model and no account is
taken of the difference in density between the ambient air and the gas. Because of this, the
model must only be used for gases with a density approximately the same as air, or if the gas
concentration at the point of release is low.
The direction of the release is always taken as horizontal to the wind direction.
Both Neutral and Dense gas dispersion models are available for the following type of
releases: Concentration, Explosive mass and Toxic dose.
For the neutral gas and heavy gas dispersion models the following type of calculations can be
carried out:
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Concentration contour
The model calculates:
the dimensions of the contour (length and max. width) at given height
the maximum concentration and corresponding distance at time t: only for neutral gas
dispersion, instantaneous release and semi-continuous release when cloud has
drifted away from its release point.
graphical presentation of the contour in X-Y directions
graphical presentation of concentration with distance.
For semi-continuous and instantaneous releases the concentration contour is calculated for
one specified time t.
Explosive mass
the explosive mass, for concentrations higher than LEL or between LEL and UEL
the dimensions of the LEL contour
the dimensions of the UEL contour (not for heavy gas dispersion)
whether the source is at ground level or the plume touches the ground level or it is a
free plume.
For semi-continuous and instantaneous releases the explosive mass is calculated for one
specified time t.
For neutral gas dispersion the explosive mass and the dimensions of the LEL and UEL
contour are calculated for a height equal to the source height.
For heavy gas dispersion these parameters are calculated for a height equal to zero (ground
level).
Toxic load
the toxic load, Cn.t, with C = concentration in mg/m 3 and t = duration in min at position (x,
y, z) for neutral gas dispersion
at position (x, 0, 0) for heavy gas dispersion for a certain exponent n and for a given
maximum exposure time after arrival cloud
the maximum concentration at position (x, y, z), and for semi-continuous and
instantaneous releases the corresponding time at position (x, y, z)
the arrival time and departure time of the cloud at position (x, y, z) (not for continuous
releases)
For these parameters a concentration equal to 1% of the maximum concentration is
assumed.
Continuous, Semi-continuous or Instantaneous
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Within the model itself, the user has to choose for continuous, Semi-continuous or
Instantaneous.
For rather long releases the continuous release dispersion model has to be used and for very
short releases the instantaneous release dispersion model. In general the following is used to
judge whether the source can be considered as continuous or instantaneous [Yellow Book]:
Continuous: at distances < 1.8 * wind velocity * duration of release
Instantaneous: at distances > 18 * wind velocity * duration of release
Semi-continuous: intermediate cases.
The dispersion calculations for the semi-continuous releases could be rather time
consuming.
Dense gas dispersion

If the gas has a higher density than air (because of a high molecular weight or of a low
temperature) it will tend to spread in a radial direction because of gravity, resulting in a gas
pool. As a result of this, in contrast to a neutral gas, the gas released may spread against the
direction of the wind.
In combined models, the selection criteria for using dense gas is: Dense gas is situation
where density of mixture (possibly including liquid droplets with very high density is 10%
heavier than air.
Heavy gas dispersion models are available for the following type of releases:
Instantaneous gas release: instantaneous release of gas, vapour or flashing liquid.
Pool evaporation:
vapour source is formed by evaporation from a pool
Jet, horizontal or vertical: (semi-)continuous release of gas, vapour or spray release in

vertical or horizontal direction
Turbulent free jet

When a gas or vapour releases and the Reynolds number under the release conditions is
greater than about 2.5.104 (e.g. high release velocity) a jet occurs. Another condition is the
absence of obstacles in the jet. Turbulent free jet dispersion occurs when the gas velocity at
the release equals or is close to the velocity of sound.
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Model input parameters

Each model inside EFFECTS uses it's own set of required input fields.
To obtain additional information about a specific input box, simply press <F1> while the
cursor in the input box, and specific information about the field will pop up.
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5.4
RISKCURVES
Combined models
New in version 9 is the possibility of using combined (or automated) models. Basically they
consist of a pre-described chain of models, linked together into one combined model.
Because a lot of the input parameters of a model can be taken from output of the preceding
model, the required input of the combined model is not the same as "all inputs of all models
together". Although they are referred as being a model-chain, it is better to think of a
combined model as being a tree, because it may consist of several branches.
The figure below illustrates that outflow model 1 can be followed by a spray release model
2 and a pool evaporation model 3. Note that models can share equal inputs, such as the
selected chemical, the wind speed and and the ambient temperature, and some inputs are
taken from a preceding model, like a rain out mass or liquid (droplet) fraction of airborne
mass. Furthermore, depending of the conditions of the cumulated source, the appropriate
dispersion model has to be run.
In the occasion of a two phase release, the source rates from for instance airborne mass
rate from spray release and evaporation rate from pool-evaporation, are to be cumulated, to
create the combined source input for the dispersion model.
The cumulation procedure as used in the models is described in detail in cumulation of
sources.
Note that the combined model often incorporates 4 types of dispersion models which will be
abbreviated in the model log:
HGDE: Heavy Gas Dispersion Explosive mass model, (Inst represents Instantaneous
mode, Pool represents Pool evaporation mode)
HGDT: Heavy Gas Dispersion Toxic model
NGDE: Neutral Gas Dispersion Explosive mass model
NGDT: Neutral Gas Dispersion Toxic model
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Furthermore, depending on the properties of the chemical material incorporated (and the
selection of phenomena to evaluate), the model chain will decide which mode (toxic of
flammable) or typical model type (heavy gas dispersion or neutral gas dispersion) to activate.
Usually, the branching starts with selection of the typical phase of the chemical (gas, liquefied
gas or liquid).
Apart from material phase, the type of scenario (instantaneous or semi continuous) will also
play an important role in selection of the release model.Typical LOC (Loss Of Containment)
scenarios will consist of an outflow (release) model (possibly followed by spray release or
turbulent free jet), followed by a possible pool evaporation model (if there is a rain-out mass)
and finally a dispersion model where the density of the gas determines whether to use the
heavy gas or the neutral gas model.
In order to be able to determine the correct chain, preconditions have been defined for all
branches of the model tree. For example: pool evaporation and pool fire models will require
the existence of a pool (pure liquid phase) or rain out mass from the two phase release.
The type of decisions that have been made along the route of calculating, are being
presented in the model log. All models that have been run will be listed here.
Models that were skipped from calculation will provide a reason why: "neutral gas dispersion
did not run because precondition not fulfilled: not a neutral gas" or "material is not toxic"
Apart from the chain of events as illustrated above, some specific phenomena can also be
incorporated within combined models: depending on the type of ignition: a BLEVE, Pool fire or
Jet fire can happen. The occurrence of these phenomena also depends on the input
parameters: type of release (instantaneous, continuous) and state of the chemical.
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RISKCURVES
The combined models will automatically incorporate all possible phenomena

according to the schedule below.
5.5
Cumulation of sources
In the occasion of a release from a two phase chemical the amount of mass that is thrown
into the air and is to be used as the dispersion source rate can be determined by two
processes:
Material that remains in air after the release (flash or spray)
Material that rains-out, but eventually will evaporate from a pool
The way the two sources are combined depends on the kind of release that is occurring.
Instantaneous (G1) scenario
In case of an instantaneous G1 scenario, the dispersion models will have to run in
"instantaneous mode", whereas the source rate from the pool is an continuous source. For
that reason, two dispersion models will need to run. Note that it can occur that the
instantaneous flash will be a heavy gas (due to the liquid fraction and temperature), whereas
the pool evaporation source may be "neutral". Note the density of the evaporated mass is
based on mixing with air of a 0.5 meter window height.
After calculation of (toxic or explosive) result, the dispersion results itself are cumulated.
For this cumulation of an instantaneous (G1) dispersion result, distinction has been made
between cumulation of dispersion-explosive models and cumulation of dispersion-toxics
models.
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In normal mode, the presented contours and lethality grids will only present the corrected
dominating source, if the "expert mode"has been chosen, the secondary dispersion results
are also visualized.
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RISKCURVES
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155
Continuous release
In case of the continuous release, the source rate is determined by:
1. The 2 phase Bottom Discharge (TPDIS) model, followed by spray release, which
calculates rainout mass flowrate and a airborn flowrate
2. The pool evaporation, fed by the rain out massrate will also create a continuous
sourcerate.
The dispersion model has to be fed with important cumulated parameters: combined mass
flowrate, representative release duration, and liquid fraction of the mixture.
Not that if the input chemical is a pure liquid, the dispersion model will run in "poolevaporation
mode" and input will be purely the pool evaporation mass rate (release height 0).
If the chemical is a gas, the cumulation routine will skip the pool-input, and the following
dispersion model will run in "horizontal jet" mode, with dimensions taken from the jet
diameter.
2013 TNO
Appendices
Appendices
6.1
List of chemicals
157
The full list of chemicals in the extended (DIPPR) database can be found in a separate
document.
The following chemicals are included in the standard YAWS database of EFFECTS:
Acetic acid
Acetonitrile
Acrolein
Acrylonitrile
Air
Allylamine
Allylchloride
Ammonia
Arsine
Benzene
Bromine
Butadiene (1,3,)
Butane (n-)
Butene (1,)
Butylamine (n-)
Butylamine (s-)
Butylamine (t-)
Carbon monoxide
Carbondioxide
Carbondisulfide
Carbonic dichloride (phosgene)
Carbonyl fluoride
Chlorine
Chloroacetaldehyde
Chloroacetyl chloride
Chloroform
Chloroprene
Cumene
Cyanogen
Cyclohexane
Diborane
Dichloroethene (1,1,)
Dichloromethane
Dimethyl amine
Ethane
Ethene
Ethyl acrylate
Ethyl amine
Ethyl mercaptan
Ethylbenzene
Ethylene dichloride
Ethylene oxide
Ethyleneimine
Fluorine
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RISKCURVES
Formaldehyde
Formic acid
Gasoline
Hexafluoroacetone
Hydrazine
Hydrogen
Hydrogen bromide
Hydrogen chloride
Hydrogen cyanide
Hydrogen fluoride
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen sulfide
Isobutyl amine
Isobutylene
Isoprene
Isopropyl amine
Ketene
Methane
Methanol
Methyl acrylate
Methyl amine
Methyl bromide
Methyl chloride
Methyl iodide
Methyl mercaptan
Methyl methacrylate
Nitro propane (2,)
Nitrogen
Nitrogen dioxide
Nitrous oxide
Oxygen
Pentane (n-)
Perchloryl fluoride
Phosphine
Propane
Propene
Propyl mercaptan
Propylamine (n-)
Propylene oxide
Styrene
Sulphur dioxide
Sulphur trioxide
Tetrachloroethylene
Tetrahydrofuran
Toluene
Trimethyl amine
Water
Xylene (m-)
6.2
Low level error messages

In some cases an error happens at such a low level that the software can not link this to an
explanation string and it only displays a cryptic dialog.
2013 TNO
Appendices
159
In case of reproducible situation, you might send an email to the helpdesk, describing the
actions you performed that raised this error.
Note that the helpdesk will not provide support for internal Windows errors, or errors that
cannot be reproduced on a standard, clean, system.
Apart from the details information provided in the message, it is very often useful to include
the .Effects projects file that has triggered the error as an attachment to the email (preferably
ZIP the project file to reduce file size) .
It is strongly advised to describe the circumstances under which the error happened.
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6.3
RISKCURVES
Known limitations
Ignition points
RISKCURVES is not yet capable of working with location dependant ignition propabilities or
ignition points. This implies that the so-called "free field" method is used for both individual
risk and societal risk calculations.
The free field method assumes explosion occurring at the point where the LEL cloud has
reached its maximum size. (Time is tMac as reported by dispersion explosives model).
Mixtures of chemicals
Our chemical database currently does not support the definition of mixtures. For well known
"real world" mixtures such as natural gas and LPG are usually modelled as Methane and
Propane, but for other mixtures the following table is often used to derive the closest
chemical.
Spray release model

1) The model is not feasible for use with e.g. CO2, which has a solid-vapor equilibrium at
atmospheric conditions. (normal boiling point unknown or lower than melting point.
2) The model does not take solidification (snow) into account: the energy balance doesn't
include solid phase transition enthalpy changes.
Neutral gas dispersion
For instantaneous or semi-continuous release the passage time of the cloud is not reported
in the results. (artifact 35647)
2013 TNO
Appendices
161
Dense gas dispersion

The dense gas dispersion calculation model, currently used in EFFECTS, is based upon the
SLAB code. At the moment we are aware of a number of issues with SLAB, which may result
in unreliable results. We are working on improving the dense gas calculation engine. Some
situations, potentially providing unreliable results, are listed below.
1) In SLAB, there is a transition between different models at the moment when the release
stops (i.e. after the duration of the release). This may cause differences between results
just before and just after the end of the release. In a concentration vs. time-graph, there
may be a discontinuity at this moment. (artifact 30165)
2) For evaporating pool sources, the model sometimes cannot do a computation for certain
combinations of mass flow rate, pool area, roughness length, stability class and wind
speed. (artifact 37421)
3) The input parameter diameter of expanded jet has a substantial influence on the results,
but can be hard to estimate by the user. Some release models, such as spray release
can be used to compute this diameter. (artifact 30682)
Pool evaporation
1) When evaporation is higher than the mass flow into the pool, the pool thickness decreases
until the minimum pool thickness (surface roughness) is reached. After that, the pool will
shrink in size.
For pools in bunds on water, that model has not been implemented completely; for those
pools, after the maximum area (bund area) has been reached, the pool thickness keeps
decreasing until it is zero, while the pool area is constant. (artifact 35366)
2) The transition from non-boiling to boiling for cryogenic substances works for spills on land,
but not on water. The calculation stops when the boiling temperature is reached.
Workaround: set the initial temperature of the spilled substance equal (or slightly higher
than) to the boiling temperature. (artifact 32938)
3) Volatile liquids on water.
When a volatile liquid is released, its temperature usually decreases. This causes the
water to also cool down. In the model for heat transfer that is implemented in EFFECTS,
there is no heat transfer by convection (i.e. the water behaves like a rigid body). Therefore,
the user may choose to set a maximum temperature difference between the pool and the
water to limit the temperature decrease of the pool.
When the maximum temperature difference is reached, the chart of heat flux from subsoil
versus time is not correctly presented: the heat flux from subsoil as calculated is not
sufficient to keep the temperature constant. An additional heat flux term, stemming from
heat transfer by convection of the water, would keep the pool at a constant temperature.
Combined models
1) For continuous release of liquefied gases, the heavy gas dispersion model always uses
the horizontal jet as source mode, even if the pool evaporation is dominant relative to the
spray release.
2) Combined models do not handle vertical jet releases correctly.
For this to work, the neutral gas dispersion model should be able to handle vertical jet
releases. Also, the heavy gas dispersion model would need to be able to interpret an outflow
angle and decide if it is a horizontal or vertical outflow.
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RISKCURVES
2013 TNO
Index
Formula
99
Formula ID
99
Fraction confined mass in Multi energy explosion
method
89
Fraction of CO2 in Atmosphere
120
Index
-A-
-G-
A new GUI 21
Accuracy parameters
113
Accuracy settings
94
Air relative humidity
120
Ambient temperature
120
Atmospheric pressure
120
Gas release from a long pipeline

135
Gas release from a vessel or pipe
134
Geo-referencing
107
Graph display panel
60
Graph selection box
67
Ground / Surface/ Bund temperature
120
Group Risk
125
-CCalculation Set
22, 54, 113
22, 113
CalculationSet definition
54
Cell size Risk grids
113
Chemical database editor
96
Chemical Databases
95
Command button panel
65
Comparison set
22, 123
Concentrating averaging time flammables
89
Concentrating averaging time toxics
89
Cumulation set
22, 123
CurveNumber for Multi energy explosion method
-DDamage definition
124
Default mixingheight
89
DIERS top venting (vessel only)
Display units
85
-HHeat radiation damage probits

116
Heat Radiation Exposure Duration
116
Heat radiation level total destruction
116
Hole contraction coefficient
89
How to use the built-in GIS system
71
-I89 Individual Risk

125
Indoor Ventilation ratio
116
Installation of the software drivers for the dongle
Inter accident distance
113
Inter accident distance FN
113
Introduction
7
137
-K-
-E-
Known limitations
Editing constant properties

99
Editing properties of chemicals
99
Editing temperature-dependent properties
Environment parameters
120
93
Equipment
22, 122
Error messages
158
Expert Parameter settings
89
-L-
-FFixed indoors outdoors toxic ratio

FN subsectors
113
2013 TNO
163
116
99
160
Lethal fraction flame contour

116
Lethal fraction flash fire
116
Liquefied gas from long pipeline
142
Liquefied gas release
136
List of chemicals
157
LOC scenario
22, 123
Log Panel
78
Lowest_significant_frequency
113
164
RISKCURVES
Scenario panel
64
Selecting a chemical
97
Societal Risk
125
Societal Risk Map
13, 128
SR map
13, 128
StandardPipeRoughness
89
Stationary equipment
22, 122
System requirements
8
-MMap display panel

69
Mass and volume calculator
105
Maxium number of accident points
113
menu bar
49
Meteorological data
22, 121
Meteorological distribution
91
Minimum valid and maximum valid temperatures
Modelset
22, 123
Mortality Probit calculator
106
-NNode input panel

66
Number subsectors FX
113
-OOptions
99
-TThe user interface in detail

47
TNO software products
7
toolbar
50
Toxic Exposure duration
116
Toxic Inhalation Heigth
89
Transport equipment
22, 122
Tree nodes
22
-U83
Uninstalling the software

Upgrading
8
-P-
-V-
Peak pressure inside damage

116
Perform toxic indoors calculation
116
Pipe contraction coefficient
89
Population
22, 121
Presentation settings
87
Pressure damage based on
116
Pressure level total destruction
116
Probabilty FlashAndExplosion
89
Project file
128
Project tree
52
Protection factor clothing
116
Vapour release from vessel or pipe

138
Viewing graphs of the toxicity parameters
Vulnerability parameters
116
Vulnerability settings
92
99
-WWater temperature
120
What is RISKCURVES
12
Which input
13
Which results
13
Which tasks
12
World file
107
-QQuick start
27
-RReport panel
Result panel
76
59
-SSaving your data and checking the function

Scenario
22, 123
99
2013 TNO

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TNO Safety software

TNO Built Environment & Geosciences

Chapter II Quick Start Guide

Chapter III The user interface in detail

Chapter IV Advanced features

Chapter V Technical backgrounds

TNO software products

The protection key

Installation and de-installation

Upgrading from previous versions

Upgrading from RISKCURVES 7

User defined chemicals

The filter field can be used to search for chemicals.

Upgrading from RISKCURVES 4 (DOS version)

Which task can RISKCURVES perform

What is the required input

What kind of results are obtained?

Quick Start Guide

Quick Start Guide

A new Graphical User Interface

The concepts behind the tree nodes

Quick Start Guide

A calculation set is a combination of system setting, a meteorological definition, population

Quick Start Guide

Equipment: a location or route on which scenarios are being analysed (distinguishing

Scenario: a Loss Of Containment scenario occurring at an equipment (either a stationary

Quick Start Guide

Quick start: Create a new project

9. Evaluate results of the calculation

1 Add a background map

2 Verify calculation settings

Quick Start Guide

3 Define meteorological conditions

4 Define population distribution

Quick Start Guide

Population import Wizard

Quick Start Guide

Quick Start Guide

5 Define Stationary or Transport equipment locations

Quick Start Guide

6 Add Scenarios to equipment location

EFFECTS models are consequence calculations performed by single phenomena

Quick Start Guide

7 Entering consequence model set data

Quick Start Guide

a red scenario means data is incomplete or incorrect

8 Performing the risk calculation

9 Evaluate results of the calculation

Quick Start Guide

2.3.10 10 The use of Cumulation sets

2.3.11 11 The use of Comparison sets

2.3.12 12 The use of Analysis points

Quick Start Guide

The user interface in detail

The user interface in detail

The user interface in detail

The menu is separated into 5 main categories:

Creates a new empty project. Clears the memory.

Opens an existing project.

Stores the current project contents to disk

Stores current contents under a new name

Mass and Volume calculator

From left to right it contains buttons for:

Group 2: Copy & paste