Spill Impact Analyst Now Offers Realistic 3D Analysis

Version 3.7 of Spill Impact Analyst was released on 6/4/2020, and we are excited to offer something new, something that provides for a more realistic 3D analysis of the high-water mark as it pertains to drain down calculations.

Earlier versions of Spill used pipe diameter for calculating available volume, but used a 1D representation of the pipeline for calculating points where the high-water mark intersects the pipeline. This is the industry standard. We get it. And there’s nothing wrong with continuing to use this option, especially for operators needing to reproduce results consistent with their previous analysis.

But here’s why you should at least consider the 3D drain-down method which can have a significant impact on your datasets.

1D Analysis Limitations

• Underestimates drain-down volumes
• Doesn’t capture all the ways high-water mark planes can intersect a cylindrical segment of pipe

Example: 1D Analysis

This is an example of the 1D approach, and is shown using top of pipe; but you get the same results using top or bottom of pipe.

3D Analysis Benefits

• Analysis performed during release point generation, with no noticeable increase in release point generation time
• Pipelines represented as cylinders
• Complex geometric calculations performed to determine cylinder’s volume laying above or below the intersect
• Many more partial volumes identified that contribute to the overall drain-down for pipeline sections that are level
• Volume differences depended on elevation profile and diameter
• Changes to spill plume were less significant due to pooling and other effects

Example: 3D Analysis

This is an example showing 3D calculations with the high water mark based on bottom of pipe. You can see how many more segments are counted for drain-down volume than for the 1D example above.

If you’re interested in finding out more, call Support, and we can let you know how to upgrade and start benefiting from a 3D analysis!