Abstract
Aim: Fires caused by a gas blowout are complex man made emergencies. Attempts to extinguish such fires attracts considerable effort and resources. Such incidents culminate in significant financial losses, damage to the environment and, sometimes, human sacrifice. Firefighters from different countries extinguish gas blowout fires in different ways. The purpose of this article is to analyse global experiences with such incidents, identify challenges and the potential for further development of firefighting techniques.
Methodology: The main approach involves analysis and synthesis. During the analysis stage, the following sources were accessed for information: periodicals and technical publications from different countries, workshop, symposium and scientific conference materials, public information from the internet and patent databases from various countries. Additionally, the authors applied personal knowledge and experience, and other practitioners knowledge of extinguishing gas blowout fires.
Results: The main approach involves analysis and synthesis. During the analysis stage, the following sources were accessed for information: periodicals and technical publications from different countries, workshop, symposium and scientific conference materials, public information from the internet and patent databases from various countries. Additionally, the authors applied personal knowledge and experience, and other practitioners knowledge of extinguishing gas blowout fires.
Conclusions: From this research the authors identified a development path for optimization of resources in the process of quenching fires, by increasing the effective suppression range and reduction in the quantity of extinguishing agents used, thus enhancing the protection of personnel from exposure to fire hazards and minimization of damage to the environment. It was determined that the most effective extinguishing method for the oil and gas industry fire, caused by a blowout, was found in the application of fire extinguishing agents by pulsing techniques.
Keywords: gas blowout, firefighting, impulse supply, fire nozzle, extinguishing method
Type of article: review article