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Explosions, Storage
Are the pockets of 20-35% of hydrogen in air potentially ignitable mixtures? The project in question is concerned with predicting the outcome of hydrogen air mixing in a small area (6 inches) of pipe. Process gas flows at a max of 21 scfm and consists of hydrogen primarily and some hydrocarbons that need to be treated in an incinerator. The process flows some 30 feet in a 3-inch pipe. To enable combustion, air is needed to premix with the hydrogen to enable the hydrocarbons to oxidize. Since the air and hydrogen need to be pulled into the burner, downstream of the burner is a large air blower that creates a suction (-6 inches of water) in the air and process line. The air is brought in an 8-inch pipe. The hydrogen transitions from 3 to 4 to 8 inches and mixes with air. That transition area is where the model shows mixing occurs and there are pockets of 20-35% of hydrogen in air. All the pipes are open, with one leading to the burner and the other leading to the process source. The pipes are capable of handling 1200 psi when newly installed.

Yes, these would be ignitable mixtures.  In this case, it does not appear complicated geometry is involved, so 1200 psig pipe should be more than adequate to protect against internal deflagration. The most likely scenario is a "backfire," similar to a car, where ignition occurs too soon and shoots out the open end of the pipe. Consider using an inline deflagration flash arrestor on the…

Category: Explosions
Keywords: Explosion, Detonation, Piping, System Design
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This material was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government.
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The portal brings together and enhances the utility of a variety of tools and web-based content on the safety aspects of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to help inform those tasked with designing, approving or using systems and facilities, as well as those responding to incidents.

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