Process Simulation and Qualitative/Quantitative Risk Analysis of a Sorbitol Production Unit

Large-scale use of hydrogen requires precise risk control, which can be achieved through investing in a reliable risk analysis method. In the present study, to investigate the hazards caused by hydrogen with high pressure and temperature in the sorbitol production plant, the concept hazard analysis method and the qualitative risk analysis were used to identify the main hazards in this plant. Then PHAST 8.22 software was used to model the consequences of high-risk scenarios. Moreover, the risk assessment data of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers was used to estimate the frequency of scenarios. The event tree analysis was used to estimate the frequency of the consequences of the defined scenarios. Finally, the vulnerable areas were recognized, and the number of casualties in the event of any of these consequences was estimated. Using the frequency vs. number of fatality (F-N) curve based on the risk acceptance criteria for hydrogen document, areas with unacceptable risk were identified. According to this diagram, the risk of the reactor and the compressor are in an unacceptable area. Therefore, the necessary measures in terms of structure, performance, or organization should be prioritized to reduce the risk associated with this two equipment.