Browsing by Author "Uunona, Ndamononghenda N."

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    Influence of enclosure geometries and internal installations on the explosion pressure of hydrogen-air mixtures
    (University of Namibia, 2025) Uunona, Ndamononghenda N.; Chiguvare, Zivayi
    The use of green hydrogen gas as a clean energy carrier solution is gaining global momentum and Namibia is on track to being one of the major producers of green hydrogen. The growing emphasis on green hydrogen has elevated the importance of safety in its value chain. This thesis investigates the influence of enclosure geometries and internal installations on the explosion pressure of hydrogen-air mixtures within flameproof enclosures. The aim of this work is to investigate two critical aspects: the impact that different flameproof enclosure geometries have on the explosion pressure, and the role that internal installations play in exacerbating or mitigating the phenomenon of pressure piling. Experimental tests were conducted in the metrological laboratories of Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt, an Institute in the Federal Republic of Germany in compliance with the international standards, such as IEC 60079-1, in order to adhere to the safety guidelines which are vital for preserving structural integrity during hydrogen explosions. These experiments were conducted using specific enclosure geometries – spherical, cylindrical and multi-chambered enclosures. Different orifice sizes and welded internal installations were used to replicate the real-world industrial conditions of pressure piling. The results demonstrated that enclosures with complex geometric design and internal installations were more susceptible to pressure piling effects due to localised pressure compression and uneven pressure distribution. Additionally, this work highlighted the importance of the proper design of the enclosure, emphasizing the need for optimized internal configurations to minimize risks. The findings from these experiments contribute to enhancing and improving the design of flameproof enclosures, potentially informing future regulatory updates, promoting safer practices in hydrogen production plants, and ultimately, bridging the existing knowledge gaps in hydrogen explosion protection