Models for cryogenic liquid spill behavior on land and water

Abstract Evaluation of the potential hazards arising from the accidental spills of cryogenic liquids requires calculation of their spread extent and rate of vaporization. In this paper, various spill scenarios are discussed and modelled. Expressions for the radius of spread, evaporation rate, and volume of liquid remaining at any time are indicated. Types of spills considered include instantaneous, semi-continuous and continuous. A criterion for classifying spills into instantaneous or continuous types is indicated. Spills on land are modelled with decreasing heat transfer rate with time, and spills on water are analyzed based on constant heat flux. A summary table of results is provided.