Numerical investigation of hydrogen vapor cloud explosion from a conceptual offshore hydrogen production platform

Abstract

Offshore hydrogen production platforms have the potential to become significant components in the upcoming large-scale offshore hydrogen production, contributing to the global commitment to carbon neutrality. However, the risk of hydrogen leaks is inherent, and the ignition of released flammable mixture can lead to catastrophic explosion, endangering both structures and nearby personnel. This study aims to numerically investigate the hydrogen vapor cloud explosion from offshore hydrogen production platform. The solvers published within the OpenFOAM framework are validated against two public tests involving hydrogen gas explosions within obstacles. A numerical model of the hydrogen vapor cloud explosion from a conceptual offshore hydrogen production platform is then constructed. The effect of offshore facility layout configuration on flame propagation mechanism and overpressure characteristics is analyzed. Results indicate that the presence of compressor equipment and cylindrical hydrogen storage tank leads to accelerated flame propagation and higher overpressure peaks. By reducing the cross-sectional area of the compressor equipment by 68 ​% perpendicular to the flame propagation direction, the maximum flame propagation speed and overpressure are reduced by 88.6 ​% and 94.2 ​%, respectively. With an appropriate layout that maintains a cross-sectional area of 0.008, the presence of compressor equipment may not exacerbate the consequences compared to scenarios without any compressor equipment. This study provides a foundational basis for the safety design of offshore hydrogen production platforms, aiming to mitigate potential hydrogen explosion hazards.