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Simon Gant

Chartered Engineer and Principal Scientist

Simon Gant

Simon is a Chartered Engineer and Technical Fellow in the Fluid Dynamics Team, where he is responsible for fluid dynamics analysis on a range of projects including incident investigations, support work on new guidance and standards, model reviews, government-funded research and consultancy for various companies.

After joining HSE in 2005, Simon led the dispersion modelling work on two major incidents: the Buncefield Incident in 2005 and the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in 2007. Over the period from 2007 to 2017, he was heavily involved in research on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and led work on the vapour dispersion Model Evaluation Protocol (MEP) for the US regulator, PHMSA.

In recent years, he has led modelling work on various UK hydrogen research projects (e.g. H21 and HyDeploy) and is leading HSE's involvement in the US-led Jack Rabbit II and III projects on chlorine and ammonia. Simon chairs the Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling Liaison Committee (www.admlc.com), which helps to coordinate research on atmospheric dispersion modelling and involves around a dozen UK government agencies.

Research Interests

  • Dispersion modelling of flammable and toxic substances
  • CFD, carbon capture utilization and storage, repurposing the gas network for hydrogen, dispersion of chlorine and ammonia

Previous Projects

  • Jack Rabbit II and III - Large scale chlorine and ammonia release experiments
  • COOLTRANS - Research programme to identify, address and resolve key issues relating to the safe routeing, design, construction and operation of onshore pipelines transporting dense phase carbon dioxide (CO2)
  • CO2PipeHaz - four-year project funded by the European Commission FP7 Energy programme to understanding the risks posed by dense-phase carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines
  • H21 - Understanding and demonstrating the feasibility of conversion of the UK natural gas distribution system to 100% hydrogen (NGN)
  • HyDeploy - The regulatory assessment of a safety case to use Winlaton for a trial of a blend of 20% H2 in NG in the natural gas distribution system
  • Buncefield Incident Investigation

Notable Achievements

  • Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (CEng FIMechE)

Further Information

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