Behavior of compressed and liquefied hydrogen tanks in a fire zone
https://doi.org/10.22227/0869-7493.2024.33.02.50-58
Abstract
Introduction. The paper substantiates the importance of investigations into the behaviour of tanks with compressed and liquefied hydrogen in the body of the fire due to the fact that such accidents at hydrogen transport facilities are the most dangerous. The relevance of the paper is conditioned by the need to analyze such scenario of the accident to prevent it and to reduce its consequences. The aim of the paper is to analyze the regularities of such accidents on the basis of consideration of modern research in the specified direction.
Behavior of tanks with compressed hydrogen in the body of the fire. Compressed hydrogen is usually stored in composite cylinders, while liquefied hydrogen is stored in double-shell isothermal tanks. When the cylinder made of composite materials with compressed hydrogen gets into a fire, it explodes within 5–15 minutes if no fireproofing is made for these cylinders. A destruction of the cylinder made of the composite materials takes place at gas pressures exceeding an initial pressure not more than on 10 %. A rupture occurs due to a loss of polymer compound. A fire resistance limit of such a cylinder is inversely proportional to an intensity of thermal action of the fire.
Behavior of tanks with liquid hydrogen in a fire. Liquid hydrogen is stored and transported in double-shell isothermal tanks. The fire resistance limit of the liquefied hydrogen tank can reach several tens of minutes depending on the parameters of thermal isolation.
Conclusions. Shock waves, fireballs and fragments of the tanks are the main hazardous factors of the accidents with a rupture of the hydrogen tanks. Sizes of hazardous zones can reach several tens of metres, depending on the parameters of cylinders and tanks. The largest size of the affected zone was observed in the case of the fireball formation. The fire resistance limit of the tanks is inversely proportional to an intensity of the thermal action of the fire.
About the Author
Yu. N. ShebekoRussian Federation
Yury N. SHEBEKO, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, Chief Researcher
VNIIPO, 12, Balashikha, Moscow Region, 143903
RISC AuthorID: 47042, Scopus: 7006511704
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Review
For citations:
Shebeko Yu.N. Behavior of compressed and liquefied hydrogen tanks in a fire zone. Pozharovzryvobezopasnost/Fire and Explosion Safety. 2024;33(2):50-58. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.22227/0869-7493.2024.33.02.50-58