2.1 Sicherheit von Energieträgern
Filtern
Dokumenttyp
- Vortrag (181)
- Zeitschriftenartikel (88)
- Beitrag zu einem Tagungsband (38)
- Posterpräsentation (22)
- Sonstiges (4)
- Forschungsbericht (3)
- Beitrag zu einem Sammelband (1)
- Dissertation (1)
- Handbuch (1)
Schlagworte
- Explosionsschutz (36)
- Schlagfunken (29)
- Mechanisch erzeugte Funken (26)
- Nichtelektrischer Explosionsschutz (25)
- Nichtelektrische Funken (23)
- Behälterversagen (19)
- Reibfunken (19)
- Safety (19)
- Schleiffunken (19)
- H2Safety@BAM (15)
Organisationseinheit der BAM
- 2 Prozess- und Anlagensicherheit (339)
- 2.1 Sicherheit von Energieträgern (339)
- 8 Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung (34)
- 8.1 Sensorik, mess- und prüftechnische Verfahren (30)
- 3 Gefahrgutumschließungen; Energiespeicher (22)
- 9 Komponentensicherheit (22)
- 9.6 Additive Fertigung metallischer Komponenten (14)
- 7 Bauwerkssicherheit (10)
- 8.4 Akustische und elektromagnetische Verfahren (10)
- 3.5 Sicherheit von Gasspeichern (9)
Paper des Monats
- ja (2)
Eingeladener Vortrag
- nein (181)
Mit der Abkehr von der Nutzung fossiler Rohstoffe rücken regenerative Energieträger immer weiter in den Focus. Neben klassischen Holzkohlen werden verstärkt so genannte Biokohlen produziert. Dieser Begriff findet Verwendung für mit Hilfe verschiedener Verfahren karbonisierte pflanzliche, tierische oder mikrobielle Ausgangsstoffe. Diese Kohlen werden zum Teil über weite Strecken zum Bestimmungsort transportiert (Überseetransporte) oder vor Verwendung für längere Zeit gelagert.
Häufig zeigen diese Kohlen ein kritisches Selbstentzündungsverhalten, wobei Einstufungstests (UN N.4 Test) versagen können. Ein negatives Testergebnis des UN N.4 Tests führte dabei in der Vergangenheit zur Nichteinstufung als selbsterhitzungsfähiger Stoff; in der Praxis entzündeten sich aber bereits vergleichsweise kleine Schüttungen (einige m³), z. B. beim Seetransport in Containern. Der Artikel geht auf dieses Problem ein und stellt Prüfverfahren vor. Aus den Ergebnissen durchgeführter Untersuchungen werden Empfehlungen für sicheren Transport und Lagerung abgeleitet.
In einer Reihe von Experimenten wurden die möglichen Folgen der Freisetzung von verflüssigtem Wasserstoff (LH2) auf, bzw. unter Wasser untersucht. Die Experimente zielten darauf ab, eine unbeabsichtigte Freisetzung von LH2 (z.B. durch Schlauchabriss) insbesondere bei der Betankung eines Schiffes zu simulieren. Für verflüssigtes Erdgas (LNG) wurden dabei sog. RPT’s (rapid phase transition) nachgewiesen, bei denen die spontane Verdampfung relevante Druckwellen erzeugt. Es kann nicht ausgeschlossen werden, dass RPTs auch im Falle von LH2 möglich sind. Die Versuche wurden auf dem Testareal Wasserstoffsicherheit auf dem Testgelände Technische Sicherheit der Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM-TTS) in Horstwalde, im Rahmen einer Forschungskooperation zwischen der BAM und Gexcon im Rahmen des SH2IFT-Programms durchgeführt. Die LH2-Freisetzungen erfolgten direkt aus einem LH2-Tanklastwagen über eine lange, flexible, vakuumisolierte Transferleitung. Während die Freisetzung oberhalb und unterhalb der Wasseroberfläche jeweils vertikal orientiert war, wurde bei der Unterwasserfreisetzung zusätzlich eine horizontale Ausströmung, parallel zur Wasseroberfläche realisiert. Zur Bestimmung des Massenstromes, wurde ein Wägesystem unter dem Tankwagen eingesetzt. Spezielle Drucksensoren wurden verwendet, um die durch die Freisetzungsvorgänge erzeugten Stoßwellen sowohl im Wasser als auch in der Luft zu messen. Die Gaskonzentrationen über dem Wasserbecken wurden an verschiedenen Positionen gemessen. Hochgeschwindigkeits-, Infrarot- (IR) und normale Kameras wurden eingesetzt, um die Phänomenologie der Freisetzung aufzuzeichnen und das Verhalten der Gaswolke im Zeitverlauf zu verfolgen. Neben den fest installierten Systemen an Land, kamen auch Unterwasserkameras sowie eine Drohne mit Normal- und IR-Kameras zum Einsatz. Zwei Wetterstationen wurden zur Messung von Windgeschwindigkeit, Windrichtung, Temperatur und Luftfeuchtigkeit während aller durchgeführten Tests eingesetzt. Des Weiteren kamen Bolometer zur Wärmestrahlungsmessung zum Einsatz. Zwar führten die Freisetzung zu einer hochturbulenten LH2/Wasser Mischzone, jedoch zu keinen nennenswerten Überdrücken durch RPT. Im Gegensatz dazu wurde unerwartet, aber reproduzierbar, eine Zündung der Gaswolke in freier Luft in einiger Entfernung von den Instrumenten und dem Ort der Freisetzung beobachtet. Die daraus resultierenden Gaswolkenexplosionen führten zu relevanten Überdrücken und zur Wärmeabstrahlung in die Umgebung.
In einer Versuchsreihe im Realmaßstab wurden drei Flüssigwasserstofftanks (LH2) unterfeuert. Hierbei sollte unter anderem geklärt werden, ob es, analog zu druckverflüssigten Gasen, zu einem BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Cloud Explosion) kommen kann. Die Experimente wurden auf dem Testareal Wasserstoffsicherheit des Testgeländes Technische Sicherheit der Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM-TTS) im Rahmen einer Forschungskooperation zwischen der BAM und Gexcon, als Teil des SH2IFT-Programms durchgeführt. Es handelte sich um doppelwandige, vakuumisolierte Tanks von 1 m³ Volumen. Die zylindrischen Tanks unterschieden sich durch ihre Ausrichtung (horizontal oder vertikal) und das verwendete Isoliermaterial (Perlit oder Mehrschichtisolierung (MLI). Der Füllgrad der Tanks betrug bei jedem der durchgeführten Tests etwa 35-40 %. Die Brandlast wurde homogen durch ein propangasbetriebenes Brennersystem erzeugt. Gemessen wurden die Bedingungen im Behälter (Temperaturen und Druck) sowie äußere Randbedingungen und Auswirkungen beim Versagen (Wärmestrahlung, Druckwellen, Flammenballentwicklung und Fragmentierung). Mit Bolometern wurde die Wärmestrahlung gemessen, die sowohl durch das Propanfeuer als auch durch einen möglichen Feuerball/BLEVE erzeugt wurde. Zur Messung der durch das Bersten von Behältern/BLEVEs erzeugten Druckwellen wurden sog. Pencil-Probes verwendet. Des Weiteren wurden mehrere Kameras zur Überwachung der Experimente eingesetzt: Normalbildkameras, Infrarot (IR)-Kameras und Hochgeschwindigkeitskameras, sowohl bodengestützt als auch mittels einer Drohne. Zwei der untersuchten Tanks, ein horizontaler und der vertikale, die beide mit Perlit isoliert waren, hielten der Brandbelastung stand, ohne dass es zu einem Behälterversagen kam. Der mit MLI isolierte horizontale Behälter barst nach 1 Stunde und 6 Minuten und erzeugte dabei einen Feuerball, Trümmerflug und eine Druckwelle. Neben der Beschreibung der Auswirkungen eines kritischen Versagens eines LH2-Tanks sind weitere Ziele der Arbeit die Identifizierung kritischer Behälterzustände sowie die Erstellung eines umfassendes Datensatzes der Trümmer des geborstenen Tanks. Die größten Abstände für kritische Abstände ergaben sich durch Fragmentwurf. Hier sollen 3D-Scans für die Verwendung in CAD und FEM Anwendungen bereitgestellt werden. Umfassende Daten zu den Fragmentwurfweiten, - massen und -positionen wurden bereits publiziert. Damit soll die Voraussetzung geschaffen werden, um vorhandene Wurfweitenmodelle, die bisher nur für einschalige Behälter konzipiert wurden auf ihre Eignung für mehrschalige Behälter zu überprüfen oder mögliche Anpassungen anhand der realen Daten vornehmen zu können. Zudem wurde damit begonnen die nicht geborstenen Tanks zu vermessen und zu zerlegen, um u.a. die Perlit-Schüttung auf Beeinträchtigungen durch den Transport und die Unterfeuerung zu untersuchen.
Mit der Abkehr von der Nutzung fossiler Rohstoffe rücken regenerative Energieträger immer weiter in den Focus. Neben klassischen Holzkohlen werden verstärkt so genannte Biokohlen produziert. Dieser Begriff findet Verwendung für mit Hilfe verschiedener Verfahren karbonisierte pflanzliche, tierische oder mikrobielle Ausgangsstoffe. Diese Kohlen werden zum Teil über weite Strecken zum Bestimmungsort transportiert (Überseetransporte) oder vor Verwendung für längere Zeit gelagert.
Häufig zeigen diese Kohlen ein kritisches Selbstentzündungsverhalten, wobei Einstufungstests (UN N.4 Test) versagen können. Ein negatives Testergebnis des UN N.4 Tests führte dabei in der Vergangenheit zur Nichteinstufung als selbsterhitzungsfähiger Stoff; in der Praxis entzündeten sich aber bereits vergleichsweise kleine Schüttungen (einige m³), z. B. beim Seetransport in Containern. Der Artikel geht auf dieses Problem ein und stellt Prüfverfahren vor. Aus den Ergebnissen durchgeführter Untersuchungen werden Empfehlungen für sicheren Transport und Lagerung abgeleitet.
In einer Versuchsreihe im Realmaßstab wurden drei Flüssigwasserstofftanks (LH2) unterfeuert. Hierbei sollte unter anderem geklärt werden, ob es, analog zu druckverflüssigten Gasen, zu einem BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Cloud Explosion) kommen kann. Die Experimente wurden auf dem Testareal Wasserstoffsicherheit des Testgeländes Technische Sicherheit der Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM-TTS) im Rahmen einer Forschungskooperation zwischen der BAM und Gexcon, als Teil des SH2IFT-Programms durchgeführt. Es handelte sich um doppelwandige, vakuumisolierte Tanks von 1 m³ Volumen. Die zylindrischen Tanks unterschieden sich durch ihre Ausrichtung (horizontal oder vertikal) und das verwendete Isoliermaterial (Perlit oder Mehrschichtisolierung (MLI). Der Füllgrad der Tanks betrug bei jedem der durchgeführten Tests etwa 35-40 %. Die Brandlast wurde homogen durch ein propangasbetriebenes Brennersystem erzeugt. Gemessen wurden die Bedingungen im Behälter (Temperaturen und Druck) sowie äußere Randbedingungen und Auswirkungen beim Versagen (Wärmestrahlung, Druckwellen, Flammenballentwicklung und Fragmentierung). Mit Bolometern wurde die Wärmestrahlung gemessen, die sowohl durch das Propanfeuer als auch durch einen möglichen Feuerball/BLEVE erzeugt wurde. Zur Messung der durch das Bersten von Behältern/BLEVEs erzeugten Druckwellen wurden sog. Pencil-Probes verwendet. Des Weiteren wurden mehrere Kameras zur Überwachung der Experimente eingesetzt: Normalbildkameras, Infrarot (IR)-Kameras und Hochgeschwindigkeitskameras, sowohl bodengestützt als auch mittels einer Drohne. Zwei der untersuchten Tanks, ein horizontaler und der vertikale, die beide mit Perlit isoliert waren, hielten der Brandbelastung stand, ohne dass es zu einem Behälterversagen kam. Der mit MLI isolierte horizontale Behälter barst nach 1 Stunde und 6 Minuten und erzeugte dabei einen Feuerball, Trümmerflug und eine Druckwelle. Neben der Beschreibung der Auswirkungen eines kritischen Versagens eines LH2-Tanks sind weitere Ziele der Arbeit die Identifizierung kritischer Behälterzustände sowie die Erstellung eines umfassendes Datensatzes der Trümmer des geborstenen Tanks. Die größten Abstände für kritische Abstände ergaben sich durch Fragmentwurf. Hier sollen 3D-Scans für die Verwendung in CAD und FEM Anwendungen bereitgestellt werden. Umfassende Daten zu den Fragmentwurfweiten, -massen und -positionen wurden bereits publiziert. Damit soll die Voraussetzung geschaffen werden, um vorhandene Wurfweitenmodelle, die bisher nur für einschalige Behälter konzipiert wurden auf ihre Eignung für mehrschalige Behälter zu überprüfen oder mögliche Anpassungen anhand der realen Daten vornehmen zu können.
Zudem wurde damit begonnen die nicht geborstenen Tanks zu vermessen und zu zerlegen, um u.a. die Perlit-Schüttung auf Beeinträchtigungen durch den Transport und die Unterfeuerung zu untersuchen.
In einer Reihe von Experimenten wurden die möglichen Folgen der Freisetzung von verflüssigtem Wasserstoff (LH2) auf, bzw. unter Wasser untersucht. Die Experimente zielten darauf ab, eine unbeabsichtigte Freisetzung von LH2 (z.B. durch Schlauchabriss) insbesondere bei der Betankung eines Schiffes zu simulieren. Für verflüssigtes Erdgas (LNG) wurden dabei sog. RPT’s (rapid phase transition) nachgewiesen, bei denen die spontane Verdampfung relevante Druckwellen erzeugt. Es kann nicht ausgeschlossen werden, dass RPTs auch im Falle von LH2 möglich sind. Die Versuche wurden auf dem Testareal Wasserstoffsicherheit auf dem Testgelände Technische Sicherheit der Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM-TTS) in Horstwalde, im Rahmen einer Forschungskooperation zwischen der BAM und Gexcon im Rahmen des SH2IFT-Programms durchgeführt. Die LH2-Freisetzungen erfolgten direkt aus einem LH2-Tanklastwagen über eine lange, flexible, vakuumisolierte Transferleitung. Während die Freisetzung oberhalb und unterhalb der Wasseroberfläche jeweils vertikal orientiert war, wurde bei der Unterwasserfreisetzung zusätzlich eine horizontale Ausströmung, parallel zur Wasseroberfläche realisiert. Zur Bestimmung des Massenstromes, wurde ein Wägesystem unter dem Tankwagen eingesetzt. Spezielle Drucksensoren wurden verwendet, um die durch die Freisetzungsvorgänge erzeugten Stoßwellen sowohl im Wasser als auch in der Luft zu messen. Die Gaskonzentrationen über dem Wasserbecken wurden an verschiedenen Positionen gemessen. Hochgeschwindigkeits-, Infrarot- (IR) und normale Kameras wurden eingesetzt, um die Phänomenologie der Freisetzung aufzuzeichnen und das Verhalten der Gaswolke im Zeitverlauf zu verfolgen. Neben den fest installierten Systemen an Land, kamen auch Unterwasserkameras sowie eine Drohne mit Normal- und IR-Kameras zum Einsatz.
Zwei Wetterstationen wurden zur Messung von Windgeschwindigkeit, Windrichtung, Temperatur und Luftfeuchtigkeit während aller durchgeführten Tests eingesetzt. Des Weiteren kamen Bolometer zur Wärmestrahlungsmessung zum Einsatz. Zwar führten die Freisetzung zu einer hochturbulenten LH2/Wasser Mischzone, jedoch zu keinen nennenswerten Überdrücken durch RPT. Im Gegensatz dazu wurde unerwartet, aber reproduzierbar, eine Zündung der Gaswolke in freier Luft in einiger Entfernung von den Instrumenten und dem Ort der Freisetzung beobachtet. Die daraus resultierenden Gaswolkenexplosionen führten zu relevanten Überdrücken und zur Wärmeabstrahlung in die Umgebung.
Holzkohlen im Seeverkehr - Selbstentzündung vermeiden, sichere Beförderungsbedingungen schaffen
(2024)
Mit der Abkehr von der Nutzung fossiler Rohstoffe rücken regenerative Energieträger immer weiter in den Focus. Neben klassischen Holz- und Pflanzenkohlen werden verstärkt so genannte Biokohlen produziert. Dieser Begriff findet Verwendung für mit Hilfe verschiedener Verfahren karbonisierte pflanzliche, tierische oder mikrobielle Ausgangsstoffe. Diese Kohlen werden zum Teil über weite Strecken zum Bestimmungsort transportiert (Überseetransporte) oder vor Verwendung für längere Zeit gelagert.
Häufig zeigen diese Kohlen ein kritisches Selbstentzündungsverhalten, wobei Einstufungstests (UN N.4 Test) versagen können. Ein negatives Testergebnis des UN N.4 Tests führte dabei in der Vergangenheit zur Nichteinstufung als selbsterhitzungsfähiger Stoff; in der Praxis entzündeten sich aber bereits vergleichsweise kleine Schüttungen (einige m³), z. B. beim Seetransport in Containern. Ergebnisse eines Projektes zur systematischen Untersuchung verschiedener Pflanzenkohlen werden vorgestellt.
Mit der Abkehr von der Nutzung fossiler Rohstoffe rücken regenerative Energieträger immer weiter in den Focus. Neben klassischen Holzkohlen werden verstärkt so genannte Biokohlen produziert. Dieser Begriff findet Verwendung für mit Hilfe verschiedener Verfahren karbonisierte pflanzliche, tierische oder mikrobielle Ausgangsstoffe. Diese Kohlen werden zum Teil über weite Strecken zum Bestimmungsort transportiert (Überseetransporte) oder vor Verwendung für längere Zeit gelagert.
Häufig zeigen diese Kohlen ein kritisches Selbstentzündungsverhalten, wobei Einstufungstests (UN N.4 Test) versagen können. Ein negatives Testergebnis des UN N.4 Tests führte dabei in der Vergangenheit zur Nichteinstufung als selbsterhitzungsfähiger Stoff; in der Praxis entzündeten sich aber bereits vergleichsweise kleine Schüttungen (einige m³), z. B. beim Seetransport in Containern. Der Artikel geht auf dieses Problem ein, stellt Prüfverfahren vor und gibt Empfehlungen für sicheren Transport und Lagerung.
Mit der Abkehr von der Nutzung fossiler Rohstoffe rücken regenerative Energieträger immer weiter in den Focus. Neben klassischen Holzkohlen werden verstärkt so genannte Biokohlen produziert. Dieser Begriff findet Verwendung für mit Hilfe verschiedener Verfahren karbonisierte pflanzliche, tierische oder mikrobielle Ausgangsstoffe. Diese Kohlen werden zum Teil über weite Strecken zum Bestimmungsort transportiert (Überseetransporte) oder vor Verwendung für längere Zeit gelagert.
Häufig zeigen diese Kohlen ein kritisches Selbstentzündungsverhalten, wobei Einstufungstests (UN N.4 Test) versagen können. Ein negatives Testergebnis des UN N.4 Tests führte dabei in der Vergangenheit zur Nichteinstufung als selbsterhitzungsfähiger Stoff; in der Praxis entzündeten sich aber bereits vergleichsweise kleine Schüttungen (einige m³), z. B. beim Seetransport in Containern. Der Artikel geht auf dieses Problem ein, stellt Prüfverfahren vor und gibt Empfehlungen für sicheren Transport und Lagerung.
As part of the development of a new standard testing procedure, a round robin study was conducted by six participating laboratories. This study involved the measurement of both the maximum explosion pressure and the maximum rate of pressure rise for hybrid mixtures comprising dust and vapor. Measurements were performed using a modified 20L-sphere. The primary objective of this collaborative effort was to assess the accuracy, reliability, and consistency of analytical and measurement methods across multiple laboratories, thereby increasing confidence in the obtained results. The method and protocol were developed as part of the NEX-HYS project and documented in a technical specification by the German Institute for Standardization Registered Association (DIN). The study revealed that precise pre-ignition pressure rise (PIPR) measurements and the use of a leak-free test apparatus significantly influenced the results of the measured maximum explosion pressure and maximum pressure rise rate.
The combustion characteristics and explosive hazard of syngas (H2/CO)/air mixtures are affected by its exact composition and equivalence ratios. In this paper, the explosion pressure and spectral radiant intensity of free radicals were quantitatively examined for syngas with different H2 proportions ([H2 in syngas] = 0, 30, 50, 70, 100 vol%) and equivalence ratios (φ = 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 2.0, 2.5). The results show that the explosion process of syngas/air mixtures can be separated into the initial slow combustion stage, the violent deflagration stage and the deflagration ending stage. The peaks of explosion pressure, pressure rise rate, OH*spectral intensity and rise rate of spectral intensity first increase and then decrease with increasing the equivalence ratio, and they reduce gradually with the decrease of H2 proportion in syngas. The H2 content in syngas greatly affects the heat release and the concentration of excited state OH*, especially for the syngas/air mixtures with smaller proportion of H2. Additionally, the presence of H2 greatly increases the deflagration index and spectral radiant index of OH* for syngas/air mixtures. The average rise rates of explosion pressure and spectral intensity of free radicals are introduced and the coupling model between them is established based on the first law of thermodynamics and the principle of chain reaction. The established model is furthermore verified by the experimental results. It is indicated that there is a linear relationship between average rise rates of explosion pressure and spectral intensity (OH*). The results can be used to improve the combustion efficiency of syngas and to guide theoretically the prevention, mitigation and control of syngas explosions.
Explosionsverletzungen gehören zu den häufigsten Verletzungen bei militärischen Einsätzen. Während die Auswirkungen von Splittern, die als sekundäre Explosionsverletzungen eingestuft werden, durch die modernen ballistischen Körperschutzsysteme der Polizei und des Militärs minimiert werden konnten, stellen die Auswirkungen der Stoßwellenausbreitung im Körper als Teil des primären Explosionstraumas nach wie vor eine ernsthafte Bedrohung dar. Zusätzlich zu einzelnen einsatzbedingten Lastfällen liegt ein wissenschaftlicher Fokus auf besonders exponiertem Personal, z.B. aus den Einsatzbereichen „Taktische Zugangstechnik“, „Präzisionsschützenwesen“ oder Steilfeuerwaffen (Mörser). Repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) können gesundheitliche Langzeitschädigungen wie und chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) erzeugen.
Um einen Beitrag zur Erforschung der primären Explosionswirkungen zu leisten, hat die Bundeswehr in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Berlin und der Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) ein interdisziplinäres wehrmedizinisches Sonderforschungsvorhaben eingerichtet. Ziel der geplanten Untersuchung ist die Entwicklung einer multidisziplinären Methode zur Analyse des Stoßwellenverhaltens in verschiedenen generischen Gewebesimulanzien, sowie Schutzmaterialien unter möglichst realitätsnahen und reproduzierbaren Bedingungen.
Für die Erzeugung reproduzierbarer Stoßwellen wurde ein Autoklav
(Druckbehälter) entwickelt, mit dem durch die detonative Umsetzung eines Acetylen-Sauerstoff-Gemisches gut reproduzierbare Druckwellen unter Freifeldbedingungen erzeugt werden können. Vorteile dieser Methode sind unter anderem die kurzen Rüstzeiten zwischen Versuchsdurchgängen, die Minimierung störender Einflüsse im Vergleich zu Stoßwellenrohren und die geringeren Sicherheitsanforderungen im Vergleich zur Anwendung von konventionellen Sprengstoffen. Das generische Torso-Modell besteht in seiner einfachsten Form aus einem mit Druck- und Beschleunigungssensoren instrumentierten Gelatineblock, welcher eine Simulanz für organisches Gewebe darstellt. Zur Untersuchung des Stoßwellenverhaltens wurden verschiedene Medien, wie Hohlkörper, Festkörper und Gewebesimulanzien differenter Dichte in das generische Torso-Modell eingebracht. Einen besonderer Untersuchungsschwerpunkt bildeten die Grenzbereiche zwischen den unterschiedlichen Medien. Des Weiteren wurde analysiert, wie sich verschiedene Schutzmaterialien auf das Stoßwellenverhalten auswirken und mit welchen veränderten Eigenschaften die Stoßwelle anschließend in die Gewebesimulanz einkoppelt.
Large-scale experiments have been performed to investigate the possible consequences of realistic amounts of liquified hydrogen (LH2) encountering water. The experiments aimed at simulating an accidental release of LH2 during especially the fuelling of a ship. For liquified natural gas (LNG) it has been demonstrated that when spilled onto water the evaporation rate can be that high that physical explosions occur which are referred as rapid phase transitions (RPTs). It cannot be excluded that RPTs are also possible in the case of LH2. The tests were performed in a 10 m x 10 m x 1.5 m basin filled with water, at the Test Site Technical Safety of the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM) in Horstwalde, Germany within a research cooperation between BAM and Gexcon as part of
the SH2IFT program. LH2 releases were established releasing directly from a trailer carrying LH2 through a long flexible double vacuum insulated transfer line. The releases occurred from a height of 50 cm above and 30 cm under the water surface both pointing downwards and 30 cm under the water surface pointing along the water surface too. The release rate was determined based on the weight loss rate of the road tanker which was placed onto load cells. Special blast pressure sensors were used to measure the shock waves generated by the release processes both in the water and in the air. At several locations the gas concentration was measured. Heat radiation was measured at 3 distances from the point of release. High speed,
Infrared (IR) and normal cameras were used to record events and to follow the gas cloud behaviour in time. This includes cameras mounted on a UAV and underwater cameras. Two weather stations were used to measure wind speed, wind direction, temperature and humidity during all tests performed. All investigated release configurations resulted in a very chaotic LH2-water mixing zone, causing considerable evaporation but only minor over pressures.
The main phenomenon observed was an ignition of the released gas cloud, resulting in significant blast wave overpressures and heat radiation to the surroundings. The location of the ignition occurred in free air at some distance from the instrumentation and release location.
Large Scale Experiments have been performed to determine whether a storage vessel containing liquid hydrogen (LH2) and caught in a fire engulfing the vessel can result in a BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion) and if so its consequences. The tests were performed at the Test Site Technical Safety of the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM) in Germany at the Hydrogen Test Area (H2TA) within a research cooperation between BAM and Gexcon as part of the SH2IFT program. Three tests were performed using double-walled vacuum insulated vessels of 1 m3 volume. The cylindrical Vessels differed in orientation (horizontal or vertical) and the insulation material used (perlite or multi-layer insulation (MLI)). The degree of filling of the vessels was approximately 35-40 % in each of the tests performed. The fire load was provided by a propane fed burner-system positioned under the storage vessel and designed to give a homogeneous fire load. The conditions in the vessel (temperatures and pressure) as well as external effects (heat radiation, blast waves, flame ball development and fragmentation) were measured. All vessels were equipped with K-type thermocouples at several locations at the inner and outer vessel shell. The pressure inside the inner vessel and in the space between the inner and outer vessels (vacuum pressure) was measured. Bolometers were used to measure the heat radiation generated by both the propane fire and that generated by a possible fireball/BLEVE. To measure blast generated by the vessel burst/BLEVEs blast pencils were positioned at up to three locations. Further several cameras were used to monitor the events: normal cameras, infrared (IR)-cameras, high-speed cameras also on board of an UAV. Two of these vessels, a horizontal and a vertical vessel both insulated with perlite withstood the fire loading for 1 hour 20 minutes and 4 hours respectively without catastrophic failure. A horizontal vessel insulated with MLI failed by bursting after 1 hour and 6 minutes resulting in a fireball, fragments, and blast wave.
Bei Geräten und Maschinen zur bestimmungsgemäßen Verwendung in explosionsgefährdeten Bereichen gemäß 2014/34/EU muss in der europäischen Union eine Zündgefahrenbewertung durchgeführt werden. Dabei müssen unter anderem die Gefahren von nichtelektrischen Zündquellen betrachtet werden, zu denen auch die mechanischen Schlagvorgänge gehören.
Bei mechanisch erzeugten Schlag-, Schleif- und Reibvorgängen kommt es infolge des Zusammenstoßes bzw. des Reibens zweier Werkstücke bzw. Bauteile zu einer Umwandlung der kinetischen Energie. Dabei erhöht sich die Temperatur der Werkstoffe an der Kontaktstelle und es kommt unter Umständen zu einem Abtrennvorgang kleiner Partikel erhöhter Temperatur. Sowohl die heißen Kontaktstellen (Zündquelle "heiße Oberflächen") als auch die abgetrennten Partikel (Zündquelle "mechanisch erzeugte Funken") können eine wirksame Zündquelle für ein explosionsfähiges Gasgemisch darstellen.
Zur Festlegung von Grenzwerten wurden in der Norm DIN EN ISO 80079-36:2016 die Gasgemische anhand ihrer Explosionsgruppe klassifiziert und zu jeder Gruppe die maximale Energie des Schlagvorgangs festgelegt, unter derer die Entstehung einer wirksamen Zündquelle als unwahrscheinlich angenommen werden kann.
Ferner finden sich in der TRGS 723 Hinweise zum Umgang mit funkenarmen Werkzeugen im explosionsgefährdeten Bereich.
Die Einführung von Wasserstoff als sicherer Energieträger braucht eine robuste Wissensbasis, darauf aufgebaute Werkzeuge zur Auslegung und Sicherheitsbewertung von Wasserstofftechnologien und ein international harmonisiertes Regelwerk. Viele der innovativen Technologien implizieren Wasserstoff bei hohen Drücken und/oder kryogenen Temperaturen, mit denen in verteilten Anwendungen erstmalig private Nutzer in Kontakt kommen. Um überkonservative, teure Sicherheitslösungen zu vermeiden, gleichzeitig aber die Einsetzbarkeit und Sicherheit von Wasserstoffanwendungen zu demonstrieren und die Akzeptanz für die Technologie aufrecht zu halten, muss auch die Sicherheitsforschung mit den Trends der technologischen Entwicklung Schritt halten, oder sie besser noch antizipieren. So beschreibt dieser Überblicksartikel nicht nur den gegenwärtigen Stand der Kenntnisse und Technik bezüglich Wasserstoffsicherheit, sondern auch ihre Weiterentwicklung.
Experimental Setup for the Reproducible Generation of Pressure Waves in Free Field Conditions
(2023)
The injuries caused by the primary blast are still poorly understood, especially in the torso region. To generate sufficiently large data sets, shock tubes are often used. However, these have some limitations, such as blockage, use of the exit jet, widening cross-sections, and scaling problems with respect to compressive strength and test objects. Therefore, it is appropriate to conduct experiments under free-field conditions, but tests with real explosives are often associated with long preparation and setup times as well as high safety requirements.
Therefore, this paper presents an experimental setup for the reproducible generation of blast waves under free-field conditions. This experimental setup aims to provide a test environment for a sufficiently large specimen to investigate the behaviour of the shock wave within the specimen, especially at the media interfaces. As an example of application, the influence of the primary explosive effect on protective equipment or on tissue simulants for the investigation of blast injuries can be mentioned. An autoclave is used as a shock wave generator. It has a volume of 0.065 m3 and is filled with a stoichiometric acetylene-oxygen gas mixture. The setup and turnaround time is approximately 30 minutes. The following factors have been selected as target variables for the optimization of the shock wave generator: reproducibility of the pressure wave, use-case-relevant positive phase duration and peak overpressure, a pressure curve characteristic corresponding to that of a military explosive under undisturbed free field conditions, and short setup times of the experimental setup. For this purpose, the experimental setup is presented in this paper. Several series of measurements are presented, showing the characteristics of the generated pressure wave. For the generated pressure wave, the classical pressure curve characteristics can be clearly recognized. A peak pressure of 92 kPa is reached at a distance of 1 m from the opening, and the first positive pressure phase lasts 1.17 ms. Furthermore, the pressure wave propagates in a hemispherical shape. The typical characteristics of the blast wave generated by the SWG have been demonstrated using the military explosive PETN. It is shown that the actual load case corresponds to about 70 g of PETN.
Experimental Setup for the Reproducible Generation of Pressure Waves in Free Field Conditions
(2023)
The injuries caused by the primary blast are still poorly understood, especially in the torso region. To generate sufficiently large data sets, shock tubes are often used. However, these have some limitations, such as blockage, use of the exit jet, widening cross-sections, and scaling problems with respect to compressive strength and test objects. Therefore, it is appropriate to conduct experiments under free-field conditions, but tests with real explosives are often associated with long preparation and setup times as well as high safety requirements.
Therefore, this paper presents an experimental setup for the reproducible generation of blast waves under free-field conditions. This experimental setup aims to provide a test environment for a sufficiently large specimen to investigate the behaviour of the shock wave within the specimen, especially at the media interfaces. As an example of application, the influence of the primary explosive effect on protective equipment or on tissue simulants for the investigation of blast injuries can be mentioned. An autoclave is used as a shock wave generator. It has a volume of 0.065 m3 and is filled with a stoichiometric acetylene-oxygen gas mixture. The setup and turnaround time is approximately 30 minutes. The following factors have been selected as target variables for the optimization of the shock wave generator: reproducibility of the pressure wave, use-case-relevant positive phase duration and peak overpressure, a pressure curve characteristic corresponding to that of a military explosive under undisturbed free field conditions, and short setup times of the experimental setup. For this purpose, the experimental setup is presented in this paper. Several series of measurements are presented, showing the characteristics of the generated pressure wave. For the generated pressure wave, the classical pressure curve characteristics can be clearly recognized. A peak pressure of 92 kPa is reached at a distance of 1 m from the opening, and the first positive pressure phase lasts 1.17 ms. Furthermore, the pressure wave propagates in a hemispherical shape. The typical characteristics of the blast wave generated by the SWG have been demonstrated using the military explosive PETN. It is shown that the actual load case corresponds to about 70 g of PETN.
minimum explosion concentration (MEC) and limiting oxygen concentration (LOC) in our recent works. This work further studies the reasonability and reliability of the alternative method experimentally and theoretically. Six different dust samples were tested via a 20-L spherical explosion chamber. The experimental results showed that the data of MEC and LOC determined by using the alternative and the standardized methods are in good agreement. The minimum flame propagation velocity (Sf) and the corresponding maximum combustion duration time (tc) were found at its MEC and LOC, suggesting that the theoretical analysis can well explain all the experimental data. It is the first time to study the theoretical basis of the explosion criterion, thus helping to improve our understandings of dust explosion characteristics, and to amend the explosion criterion in future test standards.
Im Rahmen dieses Vortrags wurden aktuelle Arbeiten der BAM im Rahmen der Forschungszusammenarbeit mit dem Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Berlin zum primären Explosionstrauma vorgestellt. Den Schwerpunkt des Vortrags bildeten die Auswirkungen der kumulierten Belastung durch "low-level blast" auf das Gehirn von Einsatzkräften und Rückschlüsse für den Arbeitsschutz und die Arbeitsmedizin.
The presented research work examines the effects of different fuel-air equivalence ratios and initial pressure on ignition temperature.
This study shows a non-monotonic pressure dependence in stoichiometric mixtures at varying pressures from 1 to 10 bar and a low sensitivity to changes in the equivalence ratio (0.5-2). The results form the basis for our future research into the complex interaction between lubricant characteristics and hydrogen-air mixtures to better understand pre-ignition phenomena in internal combustion engines.
Bei Geräten und Maschinen zur bestimmungsgemäßen Verwendung in explosionsgefährdeten Bereichen gemäß 2014/34/EU muss in der europäischen Union eine Zündgefahrenbewertung durchgeführt werden. Dabei müssen unter anderem die Gefahren von nichtelektrischen Zündquellen betrachtet werden, zu denen auch die mechanischen Schlagvorgänge gehören.
Bei mechanischen Schlagvorgängen kommt es infolge des Zusammenstoßes zweier Werkstücke bzw. Bauteile zu einer Umwandlung der kinetischen Energie. Dabei erhöht sich die Temperatur der Werkstoffe an der Kontaktstelle und es kommt unter Umständen zu einem Abtrennvorgang kleiner Partikel erhöhter Temperatur. Sowohl die heißen Kontaktstellen (Zündquelle "heiße Oberflächen") als auch die abgetrennten Partikel (Zündquelle "mechanisch erzeugte Funken") können eine wirksame Zündquelle für ein explosionsfähiges Gasgemisch darstellen.
Zur Festlegung von Grenzwerten wurden in der Norm DIN EN ISO 80079-36:2016 die Gasgemische anhand ihrer Explosionsgruppe klassifiziert und zu jeder Gruppe die maximale Energie des Schlagvorgangs festgelegt, unter derer die Entstehung einer wirksamen Zündquelle als unwahrscheinlich angenommen werden kann.
Within a research cooperation between BAM and Gexcon as part of the SH2IFT program, large scale experiments have been performed at the Test Site Technical Safety of the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM) to determine the hazards emerging from a vacuum insulated cryogenic storage vessel containing liquified hydrogen (LH2) is caught in a fire engulfing it.
In dem hier vorgestellten Projekt wurde die Wirksamkeit mechanischer Schläge als Zündquelle für wasserstoffhaltige Atmosphären in Abhängigkeit von der inhomogenen Materialpaarung systematisch untersucht. Dabei wurden praxisrelevante Materialien wie Edelstahl, niedrig legierter Stahl, Beton und Nichteisenmetalle betrachtet. Es wurde festgestellt, dass eine Zündung vermieden werden kann, wenn Nichteisenmetalle in Kombination mit verschiedenen metallischen Werkstoffen verwendet werden. In Kombination mit Beton muss die kinetische Schlagenergie auch mit Nichteisenmetallen weiter begrenzt werden, um eine wirksame Entzündung zu vermeiden. Außerdem wurde untersucht, wie sich die Beimischung von Wasserstoff zu Erdgas auf die Wirksamkeit mechanischer Stöße als Zündquelle auswirkt. Bei Beimischungen von bis zu 25 % Wasserstoff und sogar mehr konnte kein Einfluss festgestellt werden. Die Ergebnisse sind vor allem relevant im Zusammenhang mit der Umwidmung des Erdgasnetzes oder der Beimischung von Wasserstoff im Erdgasnetzes.
Ammonia Safety
(2023)
In order to share the latest technological information in the gas field and develop the gas industry, the Korean Gas Safety Corporation host an international gas safety seminar every year by inviting domestic and foreign experts. In year 2023, the seminar focussed on the latest trends in ammonia safety management and utilization technology. BAM was asked to give a presentation on ammonia safety and its flammability in specific. Based on the international flammability classification the required explosion protection measures were presented,which are defined by the European ATEX rules. As final part of the presentation the German strategy on transformation of existing infrastructure, here especially the transformation of landbased LNG terminals, was shown as well.
Ammonia Safety
(2023)
Ammonia is an energy source that has been produced and used on a large scale for many decades, primarily as a fertilizer or feedstock in nitrogen chemistry. The CAMPFIRE alliance, founded as part of the "WIR!- Wandel durch Innovation in der Region" funding program of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), aims to research and develop new energy conversion and storage technologies for the future energy system based on green ammonia. The safe handling of ammonia is an important issue along the entire value chain. Therefore, the alliance has organized a webinar to discuss the topic of ammonia safety and in particular its flammability. BAM's contribution presented the topic of flammability in detail, placed the classification of ammonia in an international, European and national context and presented the basic principles of explosion protection that result from this and must be observed during use and application.
Safety characteristics like the lower explosion limit, the highest concentration for a given substance mixed with air that does not result in a self-propagating flame, or the maximum explosion pressure, the highest pressure that can be reached after ignition for a given combustible substance mixed with air at any concentration, are widely used in the industry to either prevent an explosion or to mitigate the effects of it. Safety characteristics are not physical constants, are determined experimentally and depend on the chosen experimental parameters such as the ignition energy or turbulence.
For the determination of the safety characteristics lower explosion limit (LEL), limiting oxygen concentration (LOC), maximum explosion pressure (pmax) and maximum rate of pressure rise ((dp/dt)max) of gases and vapors the gas is filled via partial pressures into a test vessel and then ignited under quiescent conditions with a weak (2 J - 20 J) ignition source. For dusts, the same safety characteristics are determined under turbulent conditions to elevate
the dust homogeneously and it is ignited with two chemical igniters with an ignition energy of 1000 J each (LEL and LOC) or 5000 J each (pmax and (dp/dt)max). For the determination of safety characteristics of hybrid mixtures (a mixture containing a combustible dust and a flammable gas) there is no existing standard.
In the last 40 years most of the research on their safety characteristics was performed with dust testing equipment that was modified for the addition of flammable gas. Because of the different mixing procedures of gases and dusts with air and because of different ignition energies and sources that are normally used for the standard tests of gases or dusts, the results were hardly reproducible. Statements about the different safety characteristics were contradictory and left the reader or the person responsible for designing safety measures for a process plant or a facility behind with no clear suggestion about the behavior of hybrid
mixtures.
This thesis is aimed on determining the influence of the different ignition sources and energies on the safety characteristics pmax, (dp/dt)max, lower explosion limit, and limiting oxygen concentration of hybrid mixtures.
Several test series were conducted to characterize different standardized ignition sources, that are already in use for the determination of safety characteristics of single-phase substances (gases, liquids, dusts). The burning duration, the igniting volume and the net energy were investigated.
It was shown, that the chemical igniters and the exploding wire are suitable ignition sources for the determination of safety characteristics of hybrid mixtures in general. Their burning duration was long enough to ignite dusts and quick enough, that the decay of the turbulence or sedimentation of the dusts did not occur. Both ignition sources produced comparable results for the determination of pmax, LEL and (dp/dt)max of dusts when they had the same ignition energy. A reduced ignition energy of the exploding wire and the chemical igniters did not affect the pmax and (dp/dt)max. The LEL changed with lower energies. However, for the determination of the LOC of hybrid mixtures the exploding wires with an overall energy of 2 kJ produced the best results.
The influence of the different mixing procedures that have already been used for hybrid mixtures and the requirements for them were also investigated experimentally for the gas concentration and the determined safety characteristics and compared to each other. It was shown, that the partial pressure method works for mixing hybrid mixtures but the pressures should be measured very accurately and the gas concentration should be validated.
Furthermore, the influence of the turbulence that is inevitable when testing dusts, on the safety characteristics of gases was determined. It was found that the chemical igniters and exploding wires produced comparable results for the determination of pmax, LEL and (dp/dt)max under turbulence. For the LOC only exploding wires with two times 1 kJ worked.
Finally, the safety characteristics of hybrid mixtures were determined with different ignition energies and sources and the data were compared. It was discovered, that the pmax of hybrid mixtures was the same value than the higher determined one of the single substances while (dp/dt)max of hybrid mixtures was about 10 % to 25 % higher than the value of the stoichiometric gas mixture under turbulence. The point was found at the stoichiometric gas concentration with very little amounts of dust.
To prove the key findings of this work and for the establishment of a standardized procedure for the determination of safety characteristics of hybrid mixtures, an international round robin test was conducted with eleven participating facilities in seven countries. The results were comparable within a reasonable range and are presented in this dissertation in an extra chapter.
Based upon the observations in this work a reliable solution for a new standardizable ignition source to determine the safety characteristics of hybrid dust-gas-mixtures is proposed.
Safety characteristics are widely used in industrial processes to avoid explosive atmospheres (primary explosionprotection) or to mitigate the consequences of an explosion (constructive explosion protection). Several laboratory parameters influence the determined values when performing the test series such as the beginning pressure and the pre-ignition pressure rise, the ignition source, the ignition energy, the burning duration and volume or the concentration of the combustible substance.
In the different standards for the determination of safety characteristics of dusts there is no statement about the scattering or the deviation when parameters are chosen or occur on the borders of their allowed range. Thus, two laboratories might determine values that are hardly comparable for the same given substance.
This article summarizes some of the influential factors that cause a deviation and shows the inherent scattering of dust tests when all other parameters are kept constant. It also provides some advice how to minimize the deviation and the scattering with little effort.
In the field of explosive reactions, there is a type of explosive effect that lacks a sufficient database and reproducible experiments regarding biomechanics. It concerns the primary explosive effect. It is defined as pure shock wave of the explosion. The physical behavior of the shock wave when interacting with different types of tissue and, in particular, the subsequent transitions of the shock wave, have barely been investigated. The transition of the shock wave into other materials is the focus of the research Therefore, the aim of the investigations is the development of a multidisciplinary method to investigate shock wave behavior in various generic tissue simulants under the most reproducible conditions possible with realistic loads in an experimental test series with short set-up times. An autoclave is used to generate the pressure waves. A simplified torso model consisting of ballistic gelatin is used as a simulant.
In this paper, the influence of protective equipment on the pressure load in the tissue simulant is investigated. For this purpose, consecutive test setups are used. First, the behavior of ballistic gelatin as a tissue simulant is investigated. Then, the simplified torso model is covered with typical combat clothing consisting of four layers.
Afterwards a currently used UHMWPE ballistic protective plate is placed in front of the simplified torso model.
Finally, the combat clothing and the protective plate are examined in combination. Three cast-in pressure sensors are used as measuring devices, as well as an acceleration sensor attached to the protective plate.
The experiments show that the maximum overpressure in a model rotected by combat clothing and the protective plate can be reduced by 95%. However, the propagation speed of the shock wave within the simplified torso model increases from 1535.5 m/s to 2204.5 m/s. This shows that even protective equipment, which is not primarily intended to protect against blast, offers a significant reduction in the pressure load in the protected area. On the one hand it is caused by the media transition from air to PE and the resulting higher reflection of the acceleration of the transmitted wave within the simulant. On the other hand, it is also reduced due to the damping and dispersion caused by the clothing layers.
In the field of explosive reactions, there is a type of explosive effect that lacks a sufficient database and reproducible experiments regarding biomechanics. It concerns the primary explosive effect. It is defined as pure shock wave of the explosion. The physical behavior of the shock wave when interacting with different types of tissue and, in particular, the subsequent transitions of the shock wave, have barely been investigated. The transition of the shock wave into other materials is the focus of the research Therefore, the aim of the investigations is the development of a multidisciplinary method to investigate shock wave behavior in various generic tissue simulants under the most reproducible conditions possible with realistic loads in an experimental test series with short set-up times. An autoclave is used to generate the pressure waves. A simplified torso model consisting of ballistic gelatin is used as a simulant. In this paper, the influence of protective equipment on the pressure load in the tissue simulant is investigated. For this purpose, consecutive test setups are used. First, the behavior of ballistic gelatin as a tissue simulant is investigated. Then, the simplified torso model is covered with typical combat clothing consisting of four layers. Afterwards a currently used UHMWPE ballistic protective plate is placed in front of the simplified torso model. Finally, the combat clothing and the protective plate are examined in combination. Three cast-in pressure sensors are used as measuring devices, as well as an acceleration sensor attached to the protective plate. The experiments show that the maximum overpressure in a model protected by combat clothing and the protective plate can be reduced by 95%. However, the propagation speed of the shock wave within the simplified torso model increases from 1535.5 m/s to 2204.5 m/s. This shows that even protective equipment, which is not primarily intended to protect against blast, offers a significant reduction in the pressure load in the protected area. On the one hand it is caused by the media transition from air to PE and the resulting higher reflection of the acceleration of the transmitted wave within the simulant. On the other hand, it is also reduced due to the damping and dispersion caused by the clothing layers.
The number of cars which use a battery for propulsion, like BEV (battery electric vehicle) or PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), is increasing. Following, the probability of these car types being involved in car accidents will increase. In a worst-case accident scenario, the installed batteries could go under thermal runaway (TR). A TR could be initiated by various causes, e.g., high temperatures from outside, mechanical damage of the cells/modules/batteries or internal and external short circuits. During such an event, large amounts of heat and toxic and/or flammable gases are released. This poses a great hazard to people and property in the immediate vicinity. The paper describes a large-scale test series on the lithium-ion battery TR consequences of automobile cells and modules up to E = 6.85 kWh. Near field temperatures of ΔT > 800°C in a distance of l = 2 m were measured. During an overcharge test, fragment throwing distances of l > 30 m were detected. Subsequent gas explosions of the released gases were documented. Hydrogen fluoride (HF) was measured in all tests, from cell to module. The highestmeasured concentration was cHF = 76 ppm, which is significantly higher than the 30-min-level for AEGL 2 (acute exposure guideline level 2). Based on the experimentally determined consequences, concrete measures for the accident analysis are subsequently drawn.
The number of cars which use a battery for propulsion, like BEV (battery electric vehicle) or PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), is increasing. Following, the probability of these car types being involved in car accidents will increase. In a worst-case accident scenario, the installed batteries could go under thermal runaway (TR). A TR could be initiated by various causes, e.g., high temperatures from outside, mechanical damage of the cells/modules/batteries or internal and external short circuits. During such an event, large amounts of heat and toxic and/or flammable gases are released. This poses a great hazard to people and property in the immediate vicinity. The paper describes a large-scale test series on the lithium-ion battery TR consequences of automobile cells and modules up to E = 6.85 kWh. Near field temperatures of ΔT > 800°C in a distance of l = 2 m were measured. During an overcharge test, fragment throwing distances of l > 30 m were detected. Subsequent gas explosions of the released gases were documented. Hydrogen fluoride (HF) was measured in all tests, from cell to module. The highest measured concentration was cHF = 76 ppm, which is significantly higher than the 30-min-level for AEGL 2 (acute exposure guideline level 2). Based on the experimentally determined consequences, concrete measures for the accident analysis are subsequently drawn.
Thermal runaway investigations were performed by subjecting single and double NMC pouch cells to thermal abuse condition inside an air-tight reactor vessel with an internal volume of 100 dm³. The study was divided into two series. The findings revealed the thermal runaway-induced explosion in the cells results in a rate of temperature increase greater than 10 K/s. The highest gaseous production was achieved at a range of 90 – 100% SOC and higher battery capacities 0.79 L/Wh (Series 1, 10 Ah cell) and 0.87 L/Wh (Series 2, 32 Ah cell). The investigation showed between 25 m³ and 84 m³ of explosible gas mixture could be released from electric vehicles of nominal useable electrical energy from 32 kWh up to 108 kWh at thermal runaway. It was also found that, the release of these explosible gases could undergo a secondary explosion.
In this presentation the results of the Project HySpark are shown. Mechanical impacts are among the important possible ignition sources to be considered in explosion protection. Hydrogen is particularly prone to be ignited by mechanical impacts compared to natural gas. The effectivity of mechanical impacts as ignition source is dependent from different parameters. In this work the effectivity of impacts as an ignition source for hydrogen containing atmospheres was studied experimentally depending on the inhomogeneous material pairing of the impact. Moreover it was studied, how the effectivity of mechanical impacts as ignition source changes when hydrogen is added to natural gas.
Mechanical friction, impact or abrasion is one of the ignition sources that must be avoided in hazardous zones with explosive atmospheres. The effectiveness of mechanical impacts as ignition source is dependent from several parameters including the minimum ignition energy of the explosive atmosphere, the properties of the material pairing, the kinetic impact energy or the impact velocity. By now there is no standard procedure to determine the effectiveness of mechanical impacts as ignition source. In this work the effectiveness of mechanical impacts with defined and reproducible kinetic impact energy as ignition source for hydrogen containing atmospheres was studied systematically in dependence from the inhomogeneous material pairing considering materials with practical relevance like stainless steel, low alloy steel, concrete, and non-iron-metals. It was found that ignition can be avoided, if non-iron metals are used in combination with different metallic materials, but in combination with concrete even the impact of non-iron-metals can be an effective ignition source if the kinetic impact energy is not further limited. Moreover, the consequence of hydrogen admixture to natural gas on the effectiveness of mechanical impacts as ignition source was studied. In many cases ignition of atmospheres containing natural gas by mechanical impacts is rather unlikely. No influence could be observed for admixtures up to 25% hydrogen and even more. The results are mainly relevant in the context of repurposing the natural gas grid or adding hydrogen to
the natural gas grid.
Materials and components for oxygen service must be tested and found suitable for their intended use. For a fire or burn out, three requirments have to be present: Fuel, Oxygen and an ignition source. The presentation gives practival examples for all these three requirements and explaines the background and the assessment criteria of tests at BAM. However, risks still exist and can lead to severe accidents. Some accidents, their effects as well as the possible causes are presented to raise awareness of the specific dangers when handling oxygen.
In this presentation the current focus areas of the competence centre H2Safety@BAM are shown. The fields of competence include “Material properties and compatibility”, “Process and plant safety”, “Component testing, component safety and approval” as well as “Sensors, analytics and certified reference Materials. Moreover, the cross-cutting activities regarding “Education and training” and the testing possibilities and planed test facilities at the Test Site for Technical Safety (BAM TTS) are presented.
The maximum rate of pressure rise (dp/dt)𝑚𝑎𝑥 and the corresponding K-value of hybrid mixtures containing flammable gases and dusts are important for constructive explosion protection measures. Since the safety characteristics of dusts and gases are determined under different conditions, there has been considerable confusion about the influence of flammable gas on the (dp/dt) of dusts and vice versa. While some investigations showed comparably higher values for hybrid mixtures, others stated that the highest value for the gas component alone is the worst case.
The first part of this paper focuses on the confusion around the different statements about (dp/dt)𝑚𝑎𝑥 of hybrid mixtures and where they come from. In the second part of this paper experimental results are presented that illustrate how to clarify the different findings of past research and show what to expect as a real worst-case-value for hybrid mixtures.
In this presentation, the team security research of division 2.1 informs about current research efforts in the field of traumatic brain injury. The focus lies on the consequences of low-level blast on the human brain. Also the general research approaches of the team for the investigation of the behaviour of shock waves within human tissues are presented.
Bei Geräten und Maschinen zur bestimmungsgemäßen Verwendung in explosionsgefährdeten Bereichen gemäß 2014/34/EU muss in der europäischen Union eine Zündgefahrenbewertung durchgeführt werden. Dabei müssen unter anderem die Gefahren von nichtelektrischen Zündquellen betrachtet werden, zu denen auch die mechanischen Schlagvorgänge gehören.
Bei mechanischen Schlagvorgängen kommt es infolge des Zusammenstoßes zweier Werkstücke bzw. Bauteile zu einer Umwandlung der kinetischen Energie. Dabei erhöht sich die Temperatur der Werkstoffe an der Kontaktstelle und es kommt unter Umständen zu einem Abtrennvorgang kleiner Partikel erhöhter Temperatur. Sowohl die heißen Kontaktstellen (Zündquelle "heiße Oberflächen") als auch die abgetrennten Partikel (Zündquelle "mechanisch erzeugte Funken") können eine wirksame Zündquelle für ein explosionsfähiges Gasgemisch darstellen.
Zur Festlegung von Grenzwerten wurden in der Norm DIN EN ISO 80079-36:2016 die Gasgemische anhand ihrer Explosionsgruppe klassifiziert und zu jeder Gruppe die maximale Energie des Schlagvorgangs festgelegt, unter derer die Entstehung einer wirksamen Zündquelle als unwahrscheinlich angenommen werden kann.
Im Zuge der Energiewende finden Wasserstofftechnologien in der industriellen Praxis und im öffentlichen Raum immer mehr Anwendung. Beim Einsatz von Wasserstoff als Ersatz für andere fossile Energieträger wie Erdgas müssen u.a. Explosionsschutzmaßnahmen überprüft und angepasst werden. Eine Art von Explosionsschutzmaßnahmen ist die Vermeidung von Zündquellen. Gemäß den einschlägigen Regelwerken ist die Bildung von Funken oder heißen Aufschlagstellen beim mechanischen Schlag eine mögliche Zündquelle, die vor allem beim Wasserstoff berücksichtigt werden muss. Die Zündwirksamkeit ist dabei u.a. stark von der Werkstoffpaarung und der kinetischen Schlagenergie abhängig. Der Einsatz von funkenarmen Werkzeugen aus schwer oxidierbaren Nicht-Eisen-Metallen in explosionsgefährdeten Bereichen kann z.B. eine Maßnahme sein, um diese Zündquelle zu vermeiden und wird als solche in den Regelwerken benannt. Es gibt aber kaum Quellen, die dabei helfen die Zündwirksamkeit bei Schlägen mit heterogenen Materialpaarungen einzuschätzen. In dieser Arbeit wurde zu diesem Zweck die Zündwirksamkeit von mechanischen Schlägen mit unterschiedlichen, auch nicht-metallischen Schlagpartnern in wasserstoffhaltigen Atmosphären systematisch untersucht.
For a comprehensive safety assessment of stationary lithium-ion-battery applications, it is necessary to better understand the consequences of thermal runaway (TR). In this study, experimental tests comprising twelve TR experiments including four single-cell tests, two cell stack tests and six second-life module tests (2.65 kW h and 6.85 kW h) with an NMC-cathode under similar initial conditions were conducted. The temperature (direct at cells/modules and in near field), mass loss, cell/module voltage, and qualitative vent gas composition (Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and diode laser spectroscopy (DLS) for HF) were measured. The results of the tests showed that the battery TR is accompanied by severe and in some cases violent chemical reactions. In most cases, TR was not accompanied by pregassing of the modules. Jet flames up to a length of 5 m and fragment throwing to distances to more than 30 m were detected. The TR of the tested modules was accompanied by significant mass loss of up to 82%. The maximum HF concentration measured was 76 ppm, whereby the measured HF concentrations in the module tests were not necessarily higher than that in the cell stack tests.
Subsequently, an explosion of the released vent gas occurred in one of the tests, resulting in the intensification of the negative consequences. According to the evaluation of the gas measurements with regard to toxicity base on the “Acute Exposure Guideline Levels” (AEGL), there is some concern with regards to CO, which may be equally as important to consider as the release of HF.
Um die Energiewende voranzubringen, wird neben dem Ausbau der Erneuerbaren Energien ein schneller Markthochlauf bei Wasserstoff-Erzeugung, Transport und Anwendung angestrebt. Dieser Markthochlauf geht derzeit insbesondere einher mit Fragen der Wirtschaftlichkeit und der Umsetzung einer Serienfertigung von Elektrolyseuren. Bei Fragen der Sicherheit wird üblicherweise auf das bestehende Regelwerk verwiesen. Da der Umgang mit Wasserstoff und die Technologien zur Wasserstoff- Erzeugung nicht neu sind, geht man davon aus, dass durch die Einhaltung der bestehenden Regelwerke die Anlagen ausreichend sicher sind. Aber ist das wirklich so? Decken die bestehenden technischen Regelwerke alle derzeitigen Entwicklungen im Zusammenhang mit der Wasserstofferzeugung und -nutzung in allen notwendigen Facetten ab, um die Sicherheit zu gewährleisten? Der Experten-Workshop soll die Möglichkeit bieten, sich über die Sicherheit bei Wasserstofferzeugung und -nutzung auszutauschen sowie offene Fragestellungen und Lücken im Regelwerk zu identifizieren. Hierzu sind sowohl Impulsvorträge als auch ein offener Austausch mit allen Teilnehmenden geplant.
Safety characteristics are used to keep processes, including flammable gases, vapors, and combustible dusts, safe. In the standards for the determination of safety characteristics of gases and vapors, the induction spark is commonly used. However, classic transformers are hard to obtain, and replacement with new electronic transformers is not explicitly allowed in the standards. This article presents the investigation of five gases that are normally used to calibrate devices for the determination of safety characteristics, the maximum experimental safe gap (MESG), with an electronic transformer, and the values are compared to the ones that are obtained with the standard transformer. Additionally, calorimetric measurements on the net energy of both ignition sources were performed as well as open-circuit voltage measurements. It is concluded that the classic type of transformer can be replaced by the new type obtaining the same results for the MESG and introducing the same amount of energy into the system.
Bei Geräten und Maschinen zur bestimmungsgemäßen Verwendung in explosionsgefährdeten Bereichen muss in der europäischen Union eine Zündgefahrenbewertung durchgeführt werden. Dabei müssen unter anderem die Gefahren von nichtelektrischen Zündquellen betrachtet werden, zu denen auch die mechanischen Schlagvorgänge gehören.
Bei Schlagvorgängen kommt es infolge des Zusammenstoßes zweier Werkstücke zu einer Umwandlung der kinetischen Energie. Dabei erhöht sich die Temperatur der Werkstoffe an der Kontaktstelle und es kommt unter Umständen zu einem Abtrennvorgang kleiner Partikel erhöhter Temperatur. Sowohl die heißen Kontaktstellen als auch die abgetrennten Partikel können eine wirksame Zündquelle für ein explosionsfähiges Gasgemisch darstellen. Zur Festlegung von Grenzwerten wurden in der Norm DIN EN ISO 80079-36:2016 die Gasgemische anhand ihrer Explosionsgruppe klassifiziert und zu jeder Gruppe die maximale Energie des Schlagvorgangs festgelegt, unter derer die Entstehung einer wirksamen Zündquelle als unwahrscheinlich angenommen werden kann.
Composition and Explosibility of Gas Emissions from Lithium-Ion Batteries Undergoing Thermal Runaway
(2023)
Lithium-based batteries have the potential to undergo thermal runaway (TR), during which mixtures of gases are released. The purpose of this study was to assess the explosibility of the gaseous emission from LIBs of an NMC-based cathode during thermal runaway. In the current project, a series of pouch lithium-based battery cells was exposed to abuse conditions (thermal) to study the total amount of gases released and the composition of the gas mixture. First, the battery cells were placed in a closed vessel, and the pressure and temperature rise inside the vessel were measured. In a second step, the composition of gases was analysed using a Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer.
We found that the amount of released gases was up to 102 ± 4 L, with a clear dependence on the battery capacity. This study showed that the concentration of gaseous emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), ethylene (C2H4), ethane (C2H6), and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) increased with higher cell capacity. Of the five studied flammable gases, the maximum concentrations of carbon monoxide (16.85 vol%), methane (7.6 vol%), and ethylene (7.86 vol%) were identified to be within their explosible range. Applying Le Chatelier’s law, a calculated lower explosion limit (LEL) of 7% in volume fraction was obtained for the gas mixture. The upper explosion limit (UEL) of the gas mixture was also found to be 31% in volume. A filter comprising pyrobubbles was used for the removal of the studied gas components released during the thermal abuse. The investigation revealed that the pyrobubbles filter was highly effect in the removal of HCN (up to 94% removal) and CO2 (up to 100% removal). Herein, we report the dependency of the method of thermal runaway trigger on the measured maximum temperature.
Green hydrogen is seen as a cornerstone of the energy transition and decarbonization efforts of industry, transportation and the utilities sectors. The binding goal of the EU and Germany to reduce net zero carbon emissions by 2045 will substantially increase the demand for green hydrogen as an important carbon-free substitute for fossil fuels. The World Energy Council expects an annual demand of 60 million tons (equivalent 2.000 TWh) hydrogen and its derivatives (especially ammonia and methanol) in the EU until 2050. lt is estimated that the EU can produce less than half of its needed hydrogen by 2050, and will need to import the rest. African coastal countries therefore have the opportunity to become net exporters of their carbon-free regenerative energy in the form of hydrogen and its derivatives and to enable better economic growth and generate wealth on the African continent. The large-scale production, transport and storage of green hydrogen will require large investments in the development of knowledge and training, logistics and capital goods - for both the EU and African countries.
BAM is already facing the lack of skilled workers and hydrogen experts. By bundling its expertise in the field of hydrogen technologies into a competence center H2Safety@BAM to create confidence in the technology The topic of hydrogen has been current at BAM for more than one hundred years and is also currently the focus of numerous research and cooperation activities. In order to transfer its expertise in this field BAM developed a number of education activities. The centre of all activities is the Graduate School “Trustworthy Hydrogen”, established in 2022 together with the BTU Cottbus. In the presentation all activities and especially those of the graduate school and details of the cooperation with the University of Namibia are shown.
Hydrogen is a central component of the energy transition and the European Green Deal for a climate-neutral Europe. To be able to achieve the targets defined by 2045, the EU and the German government have drafted a framework for action and are making long-term investments in research, development and the rapid implementation of innovative hydrogen technologies.
The conditions for a successful energy transition and the economic use of green hydrogen as a clean energy carrier are Hydrogen readiness and a rapid market ramp-up, as well as the establishment of the necessary value chains in the national and European framework. Reliable quality and safety standards are the prerequisite for ensuring safety of supply and environmental compatibility and for creating trust in these technologies.
BAM has bundled its expertise in the field of hydrogen technologies into a competence center H2Safety@BAM to create confidence in the technology and to support the hydrogen strategies of the German government and the EU. The topic of hydrogen has been current at BAM for more than one hundred years and is also currently the focus of numerous research and cooperation activities. The competence centre H2Safety@BAM and its vision of “We build trust in hydrogen technologies” will be presented with its many safety-related topics, which can be found throughout the entire hydrogen value chain. Two deep dives will present the results on projects dealing with the design-to-cost issue of classical pressurized gas storage containments and the consequences of the release of liquid hydrogen, which will be roughly compared to the release of ammonia.
Der Vortrag stellt den aktuellen Bearbeitungsstand des Teilvorhabens an der BAM dar. Der Schwerpunkt liegt dabei auf der ersten Versuchsserie mit Batteriezellen und -modulen bis zu 6.8 kWh. Darüber hinaus werden die weiteren geplanten Versuche vorgestellt sowie die Ergbnisverwertung aus dem Projekt aufgezeigt.
Zurzeit befindet sich die VDI-Richtlinie 3783 Blatt 1 in der Überarbeitung, wobei ein Modellwechsel auf ein Lagrange‘sches Partikelmodell erfolgt. Für die Berechnung der Gasausbreitung mit Gebäuden ist ein Windfeld erforderlich. Mit AUSTAL wird auch das diagnostische Windfeldmodell TALdia zur Verfügung gestellt, das mittels empirischer Ansätze die Rezirkulationszonen von Gebäuden und Hindernissen modelliert. Ein prognostisches Windfeldmodell auf Grundlage der Navier-Stokes-Gleichungen sollte bei komplexen Bebauungs-situationen bessere Berechnungsergebnisse liefern, was aber mit einem größeren Berechnungsaufwand verbunden ist. Im Rahmen eines IGF- Forschungsvorhabens wurde das prognostische Windfeldmodell OFWind als Open Source – Software entwickelt. Im Vergleich mit den experimentellen Ergebnissen des Forschungsvorhabens wird die Anwendbarkeit der beiden Windfeldmodelle bei drei komplexen Bebauungssituationen untersucht.
Every technical system has a failure rate, including a lithium-ion battery. To minimize the effects in the event of a thermal runaway, it is necessary to know what consequences to expect. In the talk, current results from tests on the thermal runaway behaviour of lithium-ion batteries will be presented and conclusions drawn for the handling of those.
The following presentation provides an overview on some of the challenges with metallic materials used as structural materials in the energy sector for the transport and storage of hydrogen. The presentation contains explanations about the methodologies utilized to characterize the susceptibility of these materials for hydrogen.
The Gases Advisory Group is organized regularly by the Prevention Division of the German Employer's Liability Insurance Association for Raw Materials and the Chemical Industry. The event serves as an exchange between science and industry on current safety-related issues concerning oxygen and hydrogen. In this context, BAM presented an overview of its various activities of the competence center H2Safety@BAM, which are reflected in the entire hydrogen value chain. In addition, the plans for the expansion of the test infrastructure at BAM's Technical Safety Test Site were presented. The results of the DELFIN project on the safety of pressurized gas storage tanks, the release tests of liquid hydrogen as well as the underfiring of corresponding cryogenic storage tanks and the plans for the ModuH2Pipe@BAM project were also presented. The presentation concluded with the current recommendations of the Hydrogen Research Network.
Die BAM beteiligt sich sehr aktiv am Forschungsnetzwerk Wasserstoff, eines von neun Forschungsnetzwerken Energie der Bundesregierung. Der Vortragende ist Sprecher des Cluster IV "Sicherheit, Akzeptanz und nachhaltige Markteinführung" vom Forschungsnetzwerk und wurde vom Geschäftsführer des Center of Safety Excellence GmbH gebeten, die aktuellen Forschungsbedarfe des Netzwerkes, die in der Expertenempfehlung 2023 dem BMWK übermittelt wurden, vorzustellen.
This is a digital lecture on Explosion Protection for Hydrogen Applications. It was designed in context with the project "KICstartH2 Accelerating Sustainable Hydrogen Uptake Through Innovation and Education" and integrated in a teaching module of the University of Birmingham. It is divided in five parts: Introduction, Avoiding Explosive Mixtures, Avoiding Ignition Sources, Mitigation of Consequences and Summary & Comparison.
Germany has concluded energy partnerships with various countries, including Japan. During the 3rd meeting of the Hydrogen Working Group, the strategic approach of both countries on developments of hydrogen guidelines, certification and safety was presented and discussed. BAM gave a presentation on important topics in the field of safety research and on safety-related issues along the value chain. Furthermore, the work program and selected projects of the competence center H2Safety@BAM were presented.
A safe supply of energy is a fundamental prerequisite for modern industrial societies. The extent to which the energy turnaround is being shaped in Germany in terms of, for example, energy policy, promotion, but also social development was discussed during the 12th Wildau Science Week. BAM contributed to the topic of safety of energy sources and presented the competence center H2Safety@BAM.
In this presentation the capabilities and different research activities at BAM in the field of hydrogen safety are outlined. A deep dive focussing the transport of hydrogen in pipelines adressing issues on material compatibility, gas quality and test methods is presented. Another deep dive is presented focussing on safety aspects of liquid hydrogen adressing issues of rapid phase transition (RPT) and Boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion (BLEVE). Finally a brief overview on other safety related research activities is given.
In this lecture the safety related properties of hydrogen and hydrogen mixtures and explosion protection measures are shown and compared with other fuel gases. Measures for primary explosion protection (avoiding flammable mixtures), secondary explosion protection (avoiding ignition sources) and constructive explosion protection (mitigating the consequences of explosions) when handling hydrogen and hydrogen mixtures are presented.
The Joint European Summer School JESS 2022 addresses these issues by offering high quality graduate level courses on selected topics of vehicle technology, innovation & business development, safe handling of hydrogen, and modelling. The course content is tailored to the needs of a diverse audience: newcomers to the field, experienced students, and young professionals working at the forefront of fuel cell and hydrogen applications.
In this presentation the drivers for the rise of hydrogen technologies are outlined and main challenges for the market ramp-up are shown. Finally, the activities and capabilities of the competence center H2Safety@BAM are characterized and some of the current projects at BAM adressing the main challenges for hydrogen technologies are presented focussing on the hydrogen transport and infrastructure.
Im Rahmen dieses Vortrags werden die Besonderheiten beim Einsatz von Messtechnik bei Versuchen im Groß- und Realmaßstab und unter Freifeldbedingungen dargestellt. Anhand des Themenfeldprojektes CoFi-ABV und der dort durchgeführten Versuchsreihen werden die Rand- und Rahmenbedingungen beim Durchführen der Experimente, Instrumentierung und Versuchsaufbau sowie beispielhafte Ergebnisse erläutert.
The flammable hydrogen-blended methane–air and natural gas–air mixtures raise specific safety and environmental issues in the industry and transportation; therefore, their explosion characteristics such as the explosion limits, explosion pressures, and rates of pressure rise have significant importance from a safety point of view. At the same time, the laminar burning velocities are the most useful parameters for practical applications and in basic studies for the validation of reaction mechanisms and modeling turbulent combustion. In the present study, an experimental and numerical study of the effect of hydrogen addition on the laminar burning velocity (LBV) of methane–air and natural gas–air mixtures was conducted, using mixtures with equivalence ratios within 0.90 and 1.30 and various hydrogen fractions rH within 0.0 and 0.5. The experiments were performed in a 14 L spherical vessel with central ignition at ambient initial conditions. The LBVs were calculated from p(t) data, determined in accordance with EN 15967, by using only the early stage of flame propagation. The results show that hydrogen addition determines an increase in LBV for all examined binary flammable mixtures. The LBV variation versus the fraction of added hydrogen, rH, follows a linear trend only at moderate hydrogen fractions. The further increase in rH results in a stronger variation in LBV, as shown by both experimental and computed LBVs. Hydrogen addition significantly changes the thermal diffusivity of flammable CH4–air or NG–air mixtures, the rate of heat release, and the concentration of active radical species in the flame front and contribute, thus, to LBV variation.
Nichtelektrischer Explosionsschutz - Grundlagen und Maßnahmen zum nichtelektr. Explosionsschutz
(2023)
Bei Geräten und Maschinen zur bestimmungsgemäßen Verwendung in explosionsgefährdeten Bereichen muss in der europäischen Union eine Zündgefahrenbewertung durchgeführt werden. Dabei müssen unter anderem die Gefahren von nichtelektrischen Zündquellen betrachtet werden, zu denen auch die mechanischen Schlagvorgänge gehören.
Bei Schlagvorgängen kommt es infolge des Zusammenstoßes zweier Werkstücke zu einer Umwandlung der kinetischen Energie. Dabei erhöht sich die Temperatur der Werkstoffe an der Kontaktstelle und es kommt unter Umständen zu einem Abtrennvorgang kleiner Partikel erhöhter Temperatur. Sowohl die heißen Kontaktstellen als auch die abgetrennten Partikel können eine wirksame Zündquelle für ein explosionsfähiges Gasgemisch darstellen. Zur Festlegung von Grenzwerten wurden in der Norm DIN EN ISO 80079-36:2016 die Gasgemische anhand ihrer Explosionsgruppe klassifiziert und zu jeder Gruppe die maximale Energie des Schlagvorgangs festgelegt, unter derer die Entstehung einer wirksamen Zündquelle als unwahrscheinlich angenommen werden kann.
Mit der zurzeit laufenden Überarbeitung der VDI Richtlinie 3783 Blatt 1 und dem Modellwechsel auf ein Lagrange'sches Partikelmodell ist das Fahnenmodell PLURIS in den Fokus der Störfallauswirkungsberechnungen gelangt. PLURIS wird schon seit Längerem zur Berechnung der Abgasfahnenüberhöhung von Schornsteinen und Kühltürmen eingesetzt und ist Grundlage der neuen VDI Richtlinie 3782 Blatt 3 (Entwurf), lm Gegensatz zu den bekannten Freistrahlmodellen zur Berechnung der Ausbreitung unter Druck stehender Gase, wird bei PLURIS nicht vorausgesetzt, dass die Strahlgeschwindigkeit deutlich größer als die Windgeschwindigkeit ist. Mit steigender Rechnerleistung wird auch die Gasausbreitungsberechnung mittels CFD-Programmen für die Praxis interessanter. Für eine genauere Berechnung der Geschwindigkeits- und Konzentrationsverteilung im Freistrahl wird eine feine Gitterauflösung erforderlich, die aber zu langen Rechenzeiten führt, wenn die Ausbreitung eines toxischen Gases in Entfernungen von mehreren 100 m berechnet werden soll. Durch die Kopplung der CFD-Berechnung mit einem Fahnen- oder Freistrahlmodell kann der Rechenaufwand reduziert werden.
For hazard assessment purposes, the dispersion of gases in complex urban areas is often a scenario to be considered. However, predicting the dispersion of heavy gases is still a challenge. In Germany, the VDI Guideline 3783, Part 1 and 2 is widely used for gas dispersion modelling. Whilst Part 1 uses a gauss model for calculating the dispersion of light or neutrally buoyant gases, Part 2 uses wind tunnel experiments to evaluate the heavier-than-air gas dispersion in generic built up areas. In practice, with this guideline, it is often not possible to adequately represent the existing obstacle configuration. To overcome this limitation, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods could be used. Whilst CFD models can represent obstacles in the dispersion area correctly, actual publications show that there is still further research needed to simulate the atmospheric flow and the heavy gas dispersion. This paper presents a modified k-ε-turbulence model that was developed in OpenFOAM v5.0 (England, London, The OpenFOAM Foundation Ltd Incorporated) to enhance the simulation of the atmospheric wind field and the heavy gas dispersion in built-up areas. Wind tunnel measurements for the dispersion of neutrally buoyant and heavy gases in built-up environments were used to evaluate the model. As a result, requirements for the simulation of the gas dispersion under atmospheric conditions have been identified and the model showed an overall good performance in predicting the experimental values.
Major accidents in the process industry often lead to the release of light or dense gases, which can mean a thread to employees, local residents or to the environment. Possible scenarios are therefore analyzed and evaluated in advance for approval issues. There is a trend, where simple empirical models are being replaced with more complex numerical models. Gaussian dispersion models or models based on dimensional analysis approaches are for example, increasingly replaced by CFD simulations. The main reason for this is the potentially higher accuracy. However, usually scenarios using sharp parameter values are calculated, since comprehensive consideration of parameter distributions via Monte Carlo or Latin Hypercube Sampling fails due to the numerical effort. This includes the risk that the influence of uncertainties on the simulation results is not taken into account. Response surface methods offer an alternative, with which the CFD problem can be mapped onto an algebraic surrogate model. If this is sufficiently precise, parameter sampling can also be carried out with the surrogate as well, as shown in some publications. Previous investigations only demonstrated the basic principle using trivial dispersion models. In this paper two realistic CFD simulations from the plant safety area are considered: VOC emissions from a storage tank and near-ground dense gas emissions. The entire procedure of response surface determination and parameter studies was automated and parallelized for high-performance-computing, and is carried out on the underlying CFD grids. For the CFD simulations as well as for all visualizations, the commercial software ANSYS CFX and the open source software OpenFOAM were used. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the method using industry-relevant applications as well as to show how this can be used in practical engineering applications. The quality of surrogate modeling, the numerical effort and advantages that can result from the procedure are discussed as well as advantages which may result from taking parameter uncertainties into account in safety studies.
The hybrid mixture of combustible dusts and flammable gases/vapours widely exist in various industries, including mining, petrochemical, metallurgical, textile and pharmaceutical. It may pose a higher explosion risk than gas/vapor or dust/mist explosions since the hybrid explosions can still be initiated even though both the gas and the dust concentration are lower than their lower explosion limit (LEL) values. Understanding the explosion threat of hybrid mixtures not only contributes to the inherent safety and sustainability of industrial process design, but promotes the efficiency of loss prevention and mitigation. To date, however, there is no test standard with reliable explosion criteria available to determine the safety parameters of all types of hybrid mixture explosions, nor the flame propagation and quenching mechanism or theoretical explanation behind these parameters. This review presents a state-of-the-art overview of the comprehensive understanding of hybrid mixture explosions mainly in an experimental study level; thereby, the main limitations and challenges to be faced are explored. The discussed main contents include the experimental measurement for the safety parameters of hybrid mixtures (i.e., explosion sensitivity and severity parameters) via typical test apparatuses, explosion regime and criterion of hybrid mixtures, the detailed flame propagation/quenching characteristics behind the explosion severities/sensitivities of hybrid mixtures. This work aims to summarize the essential basics of experimental studies, and to provide the perspectives based on the current research gaps to understand the explosion hazards of hybrid mixtures in-depth.
Several standardized ignition sources are used to determine the safety characteristics of gases, vapours and dusts. Standards indicate the source of ignition but vary in specifying other features such as the burning duration, energy or the volume in which the energy is released. Since heat is not visible under normal conditions, a schlieren technique was used to visualize the entire igniting volume and not just the flames. This article focuses on the igniting volume, compares it among the four standardized ignition sources and displays its relationship to the size of the test vessel. Differences in the ignition behaviour of the ignition sources might lead to the determination of erroneous safety characteristics and with that to the unsafe operation of processes.
Meta-analysis of heat release and smoke gas emission during thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries
(2023)
Herein a meta-analysis of 76 experimental research papers from 2000 to 2021 is given about possible effects on the thermal runaway of lithium-ion battery cells. Data on the hazards of gas emissions and released heat are related to each other and differentiated by cell properties such as, cell geometry, cathode type or state of charge. Quantitative information on the total heat release in the range of 2.0–112.0 kJ Wh−1, the peak heat release rate in the range of 0.006–2.8 kW Wh−1and the smoke gas emission were extracted, normalized in terms of cell energy (Wh), combined in a data library and compared graphically. The total amount of gas emitted (3–48 mmol Wh−1) as well as the released amount of carbon monoxide (1–161 mg Wh−1) and hydrogen fluoride (2–197 mg Wh−1) were investigated as a function of the state of charge and cell geometry. The analysis reveals that the measured values are significantly influenced by the types of calorimeters and smoke gas analyzers used as well as by the type of thermal runaway trigger. This meta-analysis can serve as an important basis for any risk assessment of lithium-ion batteries.
There is no applicable existing standard for the determination of safety characteristics for hybrid mixtures. While developing a new standard in a joint research project in Germany first results from parameter studies led to a standard procedure that can be adopted by laboratories that are already testing dusts in the so called 20L-sphere with as little additional effort as necessary. In fact, one of the main objectives of this research project was to keep modifications and adjustments from the generally accepted dust testing procedures as easy and minimal as possible so as to limit potential deviations from one laboratory to another.
In this first round robin test on hybrid mixtures ever, with methane as gas component and a specific corn starch as dust sample, the practicality of the whole procedure, the scattering of the results and the deviation between the testing apparatuses is investigated. This paper summarizes the experimental procedure adopted and objectives of the first round-robin phase involving three of the four original German companies, plus volunteering laboratories from Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Poland and P.R. China. The results will have an impact on the new standard and may lead to robust data for later simulation purposes.
A steel pipeline segment of 2.5 m length was subjected to quasi-static four-point bending load in three steps for studying the initial cracking and damage accumulation based on the Acoustic Emission (AE) technique and by the direct current potential drop (DCPD) technique. For the latter, a new post-test analysis method was established.
AE is found more sensitive to crack initiation than DCPD. Formation of mesoscopic and macroscopic cracks as well as their closure and the resulting friction generate weighted peak frequencies below 400 kHz, whereas microscopic cracking produces AE with broad band spectra identifiable by weighted peak frequencies above 400 kHz. Critical states alike the maximum load level and the leak opening were accompanied by peak amplitudes above 85 dBAE. This rather fundamental study provides a data base for possibly developing advanced strategies of detection and alarm systems based on acoustic monitoring of pipelines, or at least, steel structures.
The BTU-BAM graduate school Trustworthy Hydrogen was presented at the online meeting of the Lausitz Hydrogen Network entitled "Business meets Science and Research". It is the first graduate school in Germany to focus on the trustworthiness of hydrogen and combines the unique competencies of BAM and BTU to train the next generation of
interdisciplinary hydrogen scientists.
Der Vortrag stellt den aktuellen Bearbeitungsstand des Teilvorhabens an der BAM dar. Der Schwerpunkt liegt dabei auf der ersten Versuchsserie mit Batteriezellen und -modulen bis zu 6.8 kWh. Aus diesen Versuche werden die wesentlichen Ergebnisse gezeigt, insbesondere die Teperatur-, Spannungs, Gas- und Gewichtsmessung beim thermischen Durchgehen.
Bei Geräten und Maschinen zur bestimmungsgemäßen Verwendung in explosionsgefährdeten Bereichen muss in der europäischen Union eine Zündgefahrenbewertung durchgeführt werden. Dabei müssen unter anderem die Gefahren von nichtelektrischen Zündquellen betrachtet werden, zu denen auch die mechanischen Schlagvorgänge gehören.
Bei Schlagvorgängen kommt es infolge des Zusammenstoßes zweier Werkstücke zu einer Umwandlung der kinetischen Energie. Dabei erhöht sich die Temperatur der Werkstoffe an der Kontaktstelle und es kommt unter Umständen zu einem Abtrennvorgang kleiner Partikel erhöhter Temperatur. Sowohl die heißen Kontaktstellen als auch die abgetrennten Partikel können eine wirksame Zündquelle für ein explosionsfähiges Gasgemisch darstellen. Zur Festlegung von Grenzwerten wurden in der Norm DIN EN ISO 80079-36:2016 die Gasgemische anhand ihrer Explosionsgruppe klassifiziert und zu jeder Gruppe die maximale Energie des Schlagvorgangs festgelegt, unter derer die Entstehung einer wirksamen Zündquelle als unwahrscheinlich angenommen werden kann.
Performance of the standardized testing method for detonation fl ame arresters at increased pressure
(2022)
Detonation flame arresters are typically used as autonomous protection systems in industrial applications to prevent potential hazards associated with flammable and/ or explosive chemicals. To verify and examine the suitability of detonation flame arresters, a testing method originating from the DIN EN ISO 16852 standard is used, which is mainly designed for atmospheric conditions.
In order to optimize the production capabilities, numerous industrial processes are taking place at pressures, temperatures, or oxygen concentrations beyond the ambient range, i.e. at non-atmospheric conditions and information on the performance of the regulated testing method are therefore required when the standard testing protocols are modified with regard to pressure, temperature or oxidizer.
The main objective of this study is to develop an improved testing method for detonation flame arresters, which offers a higher reproducibility and moreover, an applicability under non-atmospheric conditions. Therefore, an interlaboratory comparison on the performance of in-line flame arresters for stable and unstable detonations is jointly conducted by the project partners (PTB, BAM, Braunschweiger Flammenfilter GmbH and IBExU GmbH). The experiments are performed according to the testing method regulated in the DIN EN ISO 16852 standard for different pressures before ignition and different explosion groups. The experimental data is analyzed in detail to further optimize the test method and to thus achieve an improved reproducibility of detonation tests at high pressures, especially regarding the deflagration to detonation transition.
Potential ambiguities of the standardized testing method that might lead to the differing results at the different institutes are identified from the interlaboratory comparison and the test method is modified accordingly. Based on these results, an improved testing method for detonation flame arresters will be developed, which will ensure a greater safety at process plants while handling combustibles.
The evaluation of thermal properties is probably an underrated tool for the onsite health monitoring of concrete structures. The photothermal approach offers a possibility to realize a real onsite measurement. This contribution presents the application of the photothermal approach under lab conditions on three different concrete types. The obtained results were compared with those of a commercial device based on the Transient Plane Source (TPS) method. Both agreed well within the estimated uncertainty ranges and therefore demonstrate the applicability of the photothermal method for this kind of investigations. First results of a concrete sample with different water contents support the potential of this method for the characterization of concrete in general.
Competence Centre H2Safety@BAM – Safeguarding the Quality Infrastructure in the Hydrogen Economy
(2022)
Hydrogen is a central component of the energy transition and the European Green Deal for a climate-neutral Europe. To achieve the goals defined for 2050, the EU and the German government have developed a framework for action and are making long-term investments in research, development, and the rapid implementation of innovative hydrogen technologies.
With the Competence Centre "H2Safety@BAM", BAM is creating the safety-related prerequisites for the successful implementation of hydrogen technologies at national as well as European level.
To this end, BAM conducts research, testing and consulting in a holistic and inter-disciplinary manner under one roof – in the Competence Centre H2Safety@BAM. The activities of the competence centre focus on ensuring the safety of infra-structures, plants, and processes as well as innovative hydrogen transport and storage systems based on digital quality testing and the experimental testing of components and systems. It thus creates the prerequisites for the implementation and adaptation of legal framework conditions as well as for standardization. Closely related to this are investigations into the properties and compatibility of metallic materials and polymers as well as friction systems for the safe operation of components, plants, processes, and systems. This interdisciplinary and holistic approach is complemented by the development of gas analytics and suitable sensors, online measurements of gas properties in process control, test scenarios under real conditions as well as impact assessments of accidents and risk assessments and risk management systems derived from them. With its portfolio of tasks and competences, BAM builds trust in the safety and reliability of technical system solutions for hydrogen.
The poor thermal conductivity of MH beds limits hydrogen absorption in metal hydride (MH) reactors for thermochemical heat storage. The compaction of MH powder with expanded natural graphite (ENG) is an efficient and cost-effective approach for the heat transfer enhancement of MH beds. However, the addition of ENG reduces the hydrogen storage density of the compacted composites. How to optimize the allocation of a limited amount of ENG in the MH bed has not been studied. In this study, a multilayer MH bed configuration with an ENG grade content was adopted to improve the heat transfer performance of an MH reactor for thermochemical heat storage. The effect of the ENG content gradient on the performance of the MH reactor was investigated using a mathematical model of the MH reactor. Furthermore, an optimization method based on the entransy dissipation extremum principle (EDEP) was proposed to optimize the ENG distribution in magnesium hydride (MgH2)-ENG compacts. The results showed that a larger ENG content gradient resulted in faster hydrogen absorption and better heat-discharge performance. Compared with a configuration with a uniform ENG content, the optimized configuration based on the EDEP exhibited a shorter reaction time, more uniform bed temperature distribution, and 15.33% higher gravimetric exergy-output rate. In addition, the number of optimization iterations had little effect on the optimal results, which could be obtained by implementing only one optimization iteration. The optimization results showed that more ENG should be allocated to the internal layer of the MgH2-ENG compact. The compacts were divided into three layers, and the ENG content of each layer was calculated according to the optimized configuration based on the EDEP. The optimization method proposed in this study can be applied to optimize
MIKE III apparatus tests were conducted to investigate the minimum ignition energy (MIE) of coal dusts in air and O2/CO2 atmospheres with and without small amount of CH4/H2. The O2 mole fraction (XO2) in the gas mixtures varied from 21% to 50% with the CH4/H2 mole fraction from 0 to 2%. Experimental result showed that MIE of coal dusts significantly decreases even by three orders of magnitude in mJ with increasing XO2 and the addition of CH4/H2. Compared with CH4, H2 had a relatively strong promotion effect on the spark ignition of coal dusts. The inhibiting effect of CO2 was found to be much stronger than N2, but this inhibiting effect of CO2 could be eliminated by 9% increment of XO2. The effect on MIE of coal dusts thus followed by the order: 9% increment of XO2 > CO2 replacing N2 > 2% CH4 or H2 addition. Moreover, two empirical models were used to estimate the MIE of hybrid dust-gas mixture (HMIE), and the results showed that calculated data can well reflect the promoting effect of elevated XO2 and flammable gas addition, and the inhibiting effect of inert gas
Im Projekt InnoBOSK wurden insgesamt vier wissenschaftlich basierte Bedarfserhebungsworkshops durchgeführt. Die Workshops hatten jeweils thematische Schwerpunkte und wurden mit Vertretern unterschiedlicher BOS (Behörden und Organisationen mit Sicherheitsaufgaben) durchgeführt.
In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden die erhobenen Bedarfe ausgewertet.
Acetylene pressure cylinders are widely used in the industrial sector for welding, flame cutting, or heating.
Sometimes during work, not only with acetylene cylinders, fires occur and in this case the risk of destruction increases and the behavior of such an exposed cylinder is unpredictable. The purpose of this study is to identify those critical conditions when acetylene cylinders burst and explode in fires. In the present study, acetylene cylinders were exposed to fire conditions. For this purpose, a woodpile as a source of fire was chosen, tested, and evaluated. In addition to the fire condition, this option guaranteed reproducibility and similar conditions for all tests. The individual cylinders were equipped with thermocouples measuring the shell temperature, and half of them were prepared in order to measure the temperatures inside the cylinder. An important factor was the measurement of the amount of pressure that was achieved during the destruction of the cylinder. For this purpose, a pressure transducer was attached to the outlet of the cylinder valve. Exposed to direct fire, they can explode in 10 min, which was confirmed. The critical pressure of 40 bar has been reached in 6 min, followed by destruction after 7 min in fire. Cylinders with internal thermocouples were destroyed when lower pressure was achieved. This confirms the fact that any change of the pressure cylinder affects the original properties. After the tests, the fragments of the selected cylinders were subjected to material tests. The results obtained in these tests are the main source of information for understanding the behavior of acetylene cylinders in fire and the possibility of increasing the safety of intervening rescue services in an emergency.
Bei Geräten und Maschinen zur bestimmungsgemäßen Verwendung in explosionsgefährdeten Bereichen muss in der europäischen Union eine Zündgefahrenbewertung durchgeführt werden. Dabei müssen unter anderem die Gefahren von nichtelektrischen Zündquellen betrachtet werden, zu denen auch die mechanischen Schlagvorgänge gehören.
Bei Schlagvorgängen kommt es infolge des Zusammenstoßes zweier Werkstücke zu einer Umwandlung der kinetischen Energie. Dabei erhöht sich die Temperatur der Werkstoffe an der Kontaktstelle und es kommt unter Umständen zu einem Abtrennvorgang kleiner Partikel erhöhter Temperatur. Sowohl die heißen Kontaktstellen als auch die abgetrennten Partikel können eine wirksame Zündquelle für ein explosionsfähiges Gasgemisch darstellen. Zur Festlegung von Grenzwerten wurden in der Norm DIN EN ISO 80079-36:2016 die Gasgemische anhand ihrer Explosionsgruppe klassifiziert und zu jeder Gruppe die maximale Energie des Schlagvorgangs festgelegt, unter derer die Entstehung einer wirksamen Zündquelle als unwahrscheinlich angenommen werden kann.
While developing a standard for the determination of safety characteristics for hybrid mixtures the authors discovered, that, beside the ignition source, the mixing procedure is the main difference between the single-phase standards for dusts and gases. The preparation of hybrid mixtures containing a flammable gas and a flammable dust in the 20 L-sphere can be realized in different ways. Either the flammable gas is filled only in the sphere or only in the dust container or in both. In previous works, almost always the first method is applied, without giving any information on the accuracy of the gas mixtures. In this work the accuracy of the gas mixtures and the results of the tests applying two methods of mixing were studied. No significant influence of the mixing method itself on the safety characteristics explosion pressure pex and the normalized rate of pressure rise (K-value) was found. Obviously, homogenization of the gas mixtures can be obtained sufficiently by the turbulence that is caused during the injection from the dust container into the explosion chamber within a short time. However, the mixing procedure has a great influence on the accuracy of the gas amount of the mixtures obtained. Without modifying the 20 L-sphere by installing precise pressure sensors, assuring its tightness and performing gas analysis, it must be expected, that the accuracy of the gas mixtures is very low. This has a significant influence on the measured safety characteristics and may lead to unsafe facilities or unnecessary expensive safety measures.
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation
and the Delegation of German Business in Nigeria is conducting a "Nigeria Hydrogen Future Webinar Series". The fourth event was held under the title "Safe and Sustainable Hydrogen Production in Nigeria". BAM respectively the Competence Centre H2Safety@BAM was invited to present an overview lecture on hydrogen safety and future challenges with regard to safety-related issues. The lecture formed the core of the webinbar along with two other presentations.
Experimental investigation of the consequences of release of liquified hydrogen onto and under water
(2022)
Large-scale experiments have been performed to investigate the possible consequences of realistic amounts of liquified hydrogen (LH2) encountering water. The tests were performed at the Test Site Technical Safety of the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM) in Horstwalde, Germany.
The experiments aimed at investigating that upon contact with water, the evaporation rate of LH2 can be that high that physical explosions or even rapid phase transitions (RPTs), could occur. RPTs can generate air and underwater blast pressures which could damage adjacent plant or structures (which has been demonstrated when releasing LNG).
The tests were performed in a 10 m x 10 x 1.5 m basin filled with water. LH2 releases with mass flows ranging from approximately 0.25 kg/s to approximately 0.8 kg/s were established releasing directly from a trailer carrying LH2. The LH2 was released through a 46 m long flexible double vacuum insulated transfer line (inner diameter 39 mm). The releases occurred from a height of 50 cm above the water surface pointing downwards, 30 cm under the water surface pointing downwards and 30 cm under the water surface pointing along the water surface. The release system allowed for an initial phase to release flashed LH2 into the air before redirecting the flow towards the water surface for liquid release. A thermocouple inserted near the nozzle is used to indicate the presence of LH2 at the nozzle. The nozzle could be moved up and downwards relative to the water surface and also moved into the water. The release system was purged with helium before starting a release. A mouthpiece at the end of the release line as well as a manually operated valve at the trailer were used to vary the release rate.
The temperature of the water and the air was measured at multiple locations. The temperature of the air was also measured at H2 concentration probe locations. In addition, the temperature in the filling line was measured (1 at the outlet and 1 further down into the filling line). The pressure in the filling line was also measured at 3 locations, one located directly at the outlet. The release rate was determined based on the weight loss rate of the road tanker. To this end the trailer was placed onto load cells. Special blast pressure sensors were used to measure the shock waves generated by the rapid evaporation or other phenomena both in the water and in the air. At several locations the gas concentration development in time was measured. Heat radiation was measured at 3 distances from the point of release. High speed, Infra-Red (IR) cameras and normal cameras were used to record events and to follow the gas cloud behaviour in time. This includes cameras mounted on a drone and an underwater camera. Two weather stations were used to measure wind speed, wind direction, temperature and humidity during all tests performed.
All investigated release configurations resulted in a very chaotic LH2-water mixing zone, causing considerable evaporation and resulting in minor over pressures. The main phenomenon observed was an ignition of the released gas cloud, resulting in significant blast wave overpressures and heat radiation to the surroundings. The ignition occurred in all under-water releases and in about 90 % of the releases above the water surface. The location of the ignition occurred in free air at some distance from the instrumentation and release location.
Experiments have been performed to determine whether a storage vessel containing LH2 and caught in a fire engulfing the vessel can result in a BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion) and if so its effects. The tests were performed at the Test Site Technical Safety of the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM) in Horstwalde, Germany.
Three tests were performed using double-walled vacuum insulated vessels of 1 m3 volume. The cylindrical Vessels differed in orientation (horizontal or vertical) and the insulation material used (perlite or multi-layer insulation (MLI)). The degree of filling of the vessels was approximately 35-40 % in each of the tests performed. The fire load was provided by a propane fed burner positioned under the storage vessel and designed to give a homogeneous fire load.
The conditions in the vessel (temperatures and pressure) as well as external effects (heat radiation, blast waves, flame ball development and fragmentation) were measured.
All vessels were equipped with K-type thermocouples at several locations: inside the inner vessel in the gas phase and the liquid phase, on the inner and outer side of the inner vessel and on the inner and outer side of the outer vessel. The pressure inside the inner vessel (both in liquid, as a level indicator, and gaseous phase), and in the space between the inner and outer vessels (vacuum pressure) was measured.
Bolometers were used to measure the heat radiation generated by both the propane fire and that generated by a possible fireball/BLEVE. To measure blast generated by the vessel burst/BLEVEs blast pencils were positioned at three locations in two directions. Weather conditions were monitored at two weather stations. Further several cameras were used to monitor the events: normal cameras, infrared (IR)-cameras, high-speed cameras also on board of a drone.
Two of these vessels, a horizontal and a vertical vessel both insulated with perlite withstood the fire loading for 1 hour 20 minutes and 4 hours respectively without catastrophic failure. A horizontal vessel insulated with MLI failed by bursting after 1 hour and 6 minutes resulting in a fireball, fragments, and blast waves.
Large-scale experiments have been performed to investigate the possible consequences of realistic amounts of liquified hydrogen (LH2) encountering water. The experiments aimed at simulating an accidental release of LH2 onto water, for instance during the fuelling of a ship. For liquified natural gas (LNG), it has been demonstrated that physical explosions may occur when it is spilled onto water. These phenomena are referred as rapid phase transitions (RPTs). It cannot be excluded that RPTs are also possible in the case of LH2. The tests were performed at the Test Site Technical Safety of the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM) in Horstwalde, Germany. The tests were performed in a 10 m x 10 x 1.5 m basin filled with water. LH2 releases of up to about 1 kg/s were established releasing directly from a trailer carrying LH2. The releases occurred from a height of 50 cm above the water surface pointing downwards, 30 cm under the water surface pointing downwards and 30 cm under the water surface pointed along the water surface. All release configurations resulted in a very chaotic LH2-water mixing zone, causing considerable evaporation and resulting in minor over pressures. No RPTs were observed. The main phenomenon to be observed is, however, an ignition of the released gas cloud resulting in significant blast wave overpressures and heat radiation to the surroundings. The ignition occurred in all under-water releases and in about 90 % of the releases above the water surface.
Experiments have been performed to determine the consequences of a storage vessel containing liquified hydrogen (LH2) is engulfed by a fire. The tests were performed at the Test Site Technical Safety of the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM) in Germany within a research cooperation between BAM and Gexcon as part of the SH2IFT program. Three tests were performed using double-walled vacuum insulated vessels of 1 m3 volume varying the orientation of the vessel and the effect of the insulation material used (perlite or multi-layer insulation (MLI)). The degree of filling of the vessel was approximately 35 % in each of the tests performed. The fire load was provided by a propane fed burner positioned under the storage vessel and designed to give a homogeneous fire load. In one of the tests a rupture of the storage vessel occurred causing a blast, a fireball and fragments. Apart from measuring these consequences, the conditions in the vessel (e.g. temperatures and pressure) during the heating process were monitored in all three tests. The work described was undertaken as part of the project Safe Hydrogen fuel handling and Use for Efficient Implementation (SH2IFT).