This is a detailed instructional guide for getting started with DNV PHAST (Process Hazard Analysis Software Tool) . PHAST is the industry standard for modeling the dispersion of hazardous releases, pool fires, jet fires, flash fires, and vapor cloud explosions (VCE). This tutorial is structured for a new user. It covers the basic workflow: Defining a scenario (\rightarrow) Running the analysis (\rightarrow) Interpreting the results.
Part 1: Understanding the PHAST Workspace (User Interface) When you open PHAST 8.x (or later), you will see the Explorer Panel (left) and the Input Panel (right).
Explorer Panel (Tree View):
Studies: The root of your project. Atmospheric Data: Global weather settings (wind speed, stability class, humidity). Material Library: Pre-loaded property data for hundreds of chemicals (e.g., Propane, LNG, Ammonia, Chlorine). Studyyyy (e.g., "Study 1"): Contains individual "Scenarios." Scenario: Contains "Discharge," "Dispersion," and "Effects" nodes. dnv phast tutorial
Ribbon/Menu Bar:
Home: New study, save, copy/paste. Model: Run analysis, view results (contours, graphs, reports). Tools: Utilities, unit converter.
Key Shortcuts:
F5 : Run analysis for the selected scenario. Ctrl + R : Refresh/Recalculate.
Part 2: Step-by-Step Tutorial – Propane Jet Fire from a Pressurized Vessel Scenario: A 2-inch diameter hole in a pipe connected to a vessel storing liquid Propane at 10 barg and 20°C. The release results in a jet fire. Step 1: Create a New Study
Click File (\rightarrow) New (\rightarrow) Study . Name it: Propane Jet Fire Tutorial . Set Units to SI (or Metric/SI) for consistency. This is a detailed instructional guide for getting
Step 2: Define Atmospheric Conditions
In the Explorer Tree, double-click Atmospheric Data . Set the following (typical for risk assessment):