An Update to the Baker-Strehlow-Tang Vapor Cloud Explosion Prediction Methodology Flame Speed Test

The Baker-Strehlow-Tang vapor cloud explosion (VCE) blast load prediction methodology utilizes flame speed as a measure of explosion severity. In previous publications, guidance has been presented for selecting flame speeds as a function of congestion, confinement, and fuel reactivity. These recommended values were based on empirical data available from the literature. Over the last five years, a series of medium-scale VCE tests have been conducted through a joint industry program to better understand vapor cloud explosions and to allow a more accurate definition of the flame speed applicable to a given combination of congestion, confinement, and fuel reactivity. These tests have demonstrated that the previously published flame speeds ate not conservative for all configurations for the case of no confinement (3-D flame expansion). This paper provides an overview of the tests along with an update to the flame speed table where the previously published guidance was not conservative.