ConVault Blast Effects Analysis
Karagozian & Case (K&C), a World Leader in Blast Consulting and Blast-Resistant Design, conducted this analysis in which three different threat scenarios were investigated to determine the inherent blast resistance of ConVault’s design for the tank. Scenarios were chosen to reflect blast safety distances recommended in FEMA’s Reference Manual to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks against Buildings.
The scenarios investigated were: a blast from a vapor cloud such as might accumulate at a refinery, a blast from 50 lbs of High Explosive (HE) TNT as might be carried by a typical suicide bomber, and a blast from 500 lbs of High Explosive (HE) TNT representing a typical car bomb.
Scenarios Investigated Included:
- Suitcase Bomb (50 lbs. of Explosives at 5ft.)
- Car Bomb (500 lbs. of Explosives at 20 ft.
- Vapor Cloud Explosion
The tank passed all three tests. Overall, the BEA indicated that the ConVault AST is very resistant to the effects of the blast loads considered. The reinforced concrete vault is a key design feature. The mass provided by the concrete outer shell protects the steel tank and greatly enhances the resistance to all blasts. According to K&C the magnitude of these blasts at the respective proximities would be expected to destroy and/or relocate lighter, less robust fuel storage tanks. However, the ConVault AST will not only remain in place, it will survive with no fuel leakage from the primary tank.
Department of Homeland Security DT&E Designation
ConVault AST’s have been granted DT&E designation under the Safety Act for the Supporting Anti-Terrorism Technology. ConVault tanks are the only AST to have received this designation. The SAFETY Act is intended to provide critical incentives for the development and deployment of anti-terrorism technologies.
