Gexcon Delivered 5 Presentations at the 16th International Loss Prevention Symposium

Gexcon was attending the 16^th International Symposium on Loss Prevention and Safety Promotion in the Process Industries, held at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands on 17-19 June 2019. The International Loss Prevention Symposium is the most prestigious conference in the world in the field of risk and safety related to the chemical and process industries. Since its first edition in 1974 in Delft, occupational and process safety professionals, researchers, scientists, academics and practitioners have been meeting on a triennial basis at the EFCE (European Federation of Chemical) Loss Prevention Symposia somewhere in Europe.

This year, Gexcon displayed its outstanding knowledge and capability in the field of risk and safety by giving 5 paper presentations at the international symposium. These presentations were given by Kees van Wingerden, Gexcon AS Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, within the topic of ‘Fires, Explosions and Toxic Releases’ and Hans Boot, Gexcon Netherlands BV Senior Research Scientist, within the topic of ‘Simulation and Modelling for Safer Processes’, with titles as followed:

• Mechanical sparks as an ignition source of gas and dust explosions (Kees van Wingerden)
• On the occurrence of flame instabilities during dust explosions (Kees van Wingerden)
• Application of laboratory-scale determined KSt-values of metal dust to industrial-scale processes (Kees van Wingerden)
• Explosion mitigation using an aqueous solution of water and flame inhibitors (Kees van Wingerden)
• RESPONSE: Adequate information on chemical accident threats (Hans Boot)

These presentations received fascinating responses from the attendees. For instance, at Kees’ session, one of the attendees mentioned, “Use of a window to separate radiation from other flame propagation mechanism might perhaps be used to “kill” theory of episodic combustion mechanism for vapour cloud explosion for always”. Meanwhile, at Hans’ session, the RESPONSE concept (a web-based consequence modelling system applicable in emergency response situations) received specific attention from fire brigade representatives.

The most notable highlight of this symposium was the EPSC award received by Kees van Wingerden for his years of excellent contribution to the advancement of Process Safety from the European Process Safety Centre (EPSC). Each year, the EPSC awards a prize to an individual, team, or organization working in the process safety field for making an exceptional contribution to the advancement of process safety.

Just as importantly, Gexcon also had an exhibition booth at the international symposium where we introduced our safety software, such as FLACS, RISKCURVES, and EFFECTS. Our booth got great attention from the attendees who were interested to know how our software contributes to improving safety. We provided them with explanations as well as demonstrations in order for them to get a better understanding of how these safety tools work.

It was an amazing experience to be part of this prestigious international symposium. Gexcon will continue to obtain and share knowledge to contribute to making the world a safer place.