Leakage Characteristics of Hydrogen Gas Carrying Alkaline Solution

Abstract

Hydrogen energy, as a green and clean energy source of the 21st century, boasts numerous advantages including excellent combustion performance, no pollution, diverse storage methods, and significant development potential. However, the safety risks associated with hydrogen's combustibility and explosive nature cannot be overlooked. Hydrogen leaks during production and storage pose a serious threat when encountered with an ignition source. To gain a deeper understanding of hydrogen leakage patterns, hydrogen leakage accidents involving alkaline liquid entrainment in typical scenarios of hydrogen production are simulated using the CFD program and analyzed in conjunction with jet theory. The results indicate that the impact of alkaline liquid on hydrogen leakage is primarily in dilution and promotion of dispersion. The concentration of pure hydrogen leakage is generally higher than that of leakage involving alkaline liquid. Under the same break velocity, the range of the combustible zone for leakage involving alkaline liquid is consistent with pure hydrogen leakage in the vertical direction, yet significantly larger in the horizontal direction. Hydrogen leakage involving alkaline liquid also exhibits distinctly different flow patterns at various flow rates. At higher velocities, the overall characteristics are dominated by the momentum jet of hydrogen, presenting a positive buoyant jet flow pattern, whereas at lower velocities, the scenario is dominated by the alkaline liquid, exhibiting a negative buoyant jet flow. The characteristic effects of alkaline liquid on hydrogen also vary with changes in velocity.