Influence of enclosure geometries and internal installations on the explosion pressure of hydrogen-air mixtures
Loading...
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
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
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Renewable energy
Keywords
Flameproof enclosure, Explosion pressure, Pressure piling, Hydrogen-air mixture, Internal installations, Namibia, University of Namibia