Overview

This webinar explores the role of consequence modeling in process safety, focusing on dispersion analysis using PHAST (Process Hazard Analysis Software Tool). Participants will learn how PHAST simulates the release, dispersion, and behavior of hazardous materials — including toxic gases and flammable vapors — to support risk assessments, hazard identification, and regulatory compliance. Real-world case studies from the oil, gas, and energy sectors will illustrate how dispersion modeling informs facility siting, emergency planning, and safety-critical decision-making across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.

Accidental releases of hazardous and flammable materials remain one of the most significant risks facing the oil, gas, and energy industry. Accurately predicting how these releases disperse is critical to safeguarding personnel, assets, and the environment. This webinar provides a practical introduction to dispersion modeling using PHAST, a leading consequence modeling tool used across the industry for quantitative risk assessment. Attendees will gain insight into how release scenarios are simulated, how atmospheric and terrain factors influence dispersion behavior, and how modeling outputs support facility siting, emergency response planning, and regulatory compliance. Real-world examples will demonstrate PHAST's application in upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.

Speaker

Steven Zhang, Principal Technical Safety Professional, Woodgroup, Houston

Steven Zhang is a process safety professional with 18+ years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy industry, specializing in risk management, consequence modeling (including CO₂), QRA, CFD, fire and explosion analysis, and flare sizing. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University and MS/BS degrees in Chemistry from Xiamen University, China.

The material presented has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenter’s own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the Trinidad and Tobago Member Group. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.

Time

19:00 - 20:00 AST.

Software

The presentation will be delivered via Microsoft Teams. We recommend downloading the app from the Microsoft website, rather than using the web portal.