Numerical analysis of propane dispersion under continuous release condition in a multi-room building

Propane dispersion after the continuous leaking in the residential building is numerically simulated with FLUENT by computational fluid dynamic method. The variation characteristics of the concentration contribution and explosive range of propane are analyzed. The propane diffusion scope and explosive area increase with time. The highest concentration appears in the kitchen while the lowest concentration appears in the bedroom. Propane explosive area appears only in the kitchen and in the sunroom. Obvious stratification of the propane over the vertical height is due to gravity. The concentration, diffusion scope, and explosive area decrease with the number of windows open. The explosive range appears in the kitchen and the sunroom, but does not appear in the bedroom, the living room, or the bathroom. The research results can provide scientific support and references for risk evaluation, accident prevention and emergency rescue of propane hazards in the building. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 973–981, 2015