A unified short-cut model approach to size safe venting stacks and other blow-off devices for hazardous vapours

Starting from a general model of the atmospheric dispersion of upward-directed high velocity releases, a unified short-cut method is developed for properly designing flares, vents and other safety devices for hazardous material releases and/or to verify the adequacy of the existing ones. By comparison with the design constraints arising from the prevention and protection criteria against the risk of ignition, explosion and exposure of people to radiating heat and/or toxic compounds, the proposed procedure directly gives size, height and location of the venting system as a function of significant release characteristics. A way of economical optimisation is also considered in flare design, where raising the emission also increases the safe areas available to workers.