Ingenieurbau
Filtern
Dokumenttyp
- Zeitschriftenartikel (10)
- Beitrag zu einem Tagungsband (4)
- Vortrag (2)
- Sonstiges (1)
Schlagworte
- Hybrid mixtures (5)
- 20L-sphere (3)
- Explosionsschutz (2)
- Ignition source (2)
- LPG (2)
- Post-injection pressure drop (2)
- Pre-ignition pressure rise (2)
- R1234yf (2)
- R32 (2)
- Safety characteristics (2)
Organisationseinheit der BAM
- 2.1 Sicherheit von Energieträgern (17) (entfernen)
Paper des Monats
- ja (1)
Eingeladener Vortrag
- nein (2)
For evaluation of explosion scenarios in closed systems involving the mildly flammable refrigerants R1234yf, R1234ze and R32 dependent on the ignition energy, ignitions were carried out in a closed autoclave. A newly developed ignition system was used, which allows generating electric arcs with defined energies in a range between 3 J and 1000 J. The lower explosion limit of R32 decreases with increasing ignition energy. R32-explosions can be more severe than explosions involving highly flammable substances.
However, in case of R1234yf and R1234ze, the ignition energy had to be increased to more than 100 J and more than 500 J to detect explosions in the closed system at all, although flame Propagation phenomena can already be observed if these substances are ignited with much weaker ignition sources in open glass tubes. The explosions were very mild with these substances.
In case of a vehicle fire, an installed LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) tank with a malfunctioning safety device poses severe hazards. To investigate the consequences in case of tank failure, we conducted 16 tests with toroidal shaped LPG vehicle tanks. Three tanks were used for a Hydraulic Burst Test under standard conditions. Another three tanks were equipped with a statutory safety device and were subjected to a gasoline pool fire. The safety device prevented tank failure, as intended. To generate a statistically valid dataset on tank failure, ten tanks without safety devices were exposed to a gasoline pool fire. Five tanks were filled to a level of 20 %; the re-maining five were filled to a level of 100 %. In order to gain information on the heating process, three tem-perature readings at the tank surface, and three nearby flame temperatures were recorded. At distances of l = (7; 9; 11) m to the tank, the overpressure of the shock wave induced by the tank failure and the unsteady tem-peratures were measured. All ten tanks failed within a time of t < 5 min in a BLEVE (boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion). Seven of these resulted directly in a catastrophic failure. The other three resulted in partial failure followed by catastrophic failure. A near field overpressure at a distance of l = 7 m of up to p = 0.27 bar was measured. All ten tests showed massive fragmentation of the tank mantle. In total, 50 fragments were found. These 50 fragments make-up 88.6 % of the original tank mass. Each fragment was georeferenced and weighed. Fragment throwing distances of l > 250 m occurred. For the tanks with a fill level of 20 %, the average number of fragments was twice as high as it was for the tanks that were filled completely.
In continuation of a preceding test series involving sole LPG vehicle tanks, three passenger cars equipped with identical toroidal steel LPG tanks were set on fire. The tanks were installed in the space normally reserved for the spare tyre, in the car boot. No safety device was installed on the tank, in order to force critical failure of the cylinder. Two of the cars were equipped with a tank filled with liquefied propane to a level of 20 % (5.3 kg), the third one was filled completely (25.5 kg). The partially filled tanks failed critically within a time period of more than 20 min after the initiation of the fire. The fully-filled tank did not rupture; the propane was released continuously through a small leak that appeared during the fire. Comprehensive equipment was used to procure measurement data, enabling an analysis of potential consequences and hazards to humans and infrastructure within the vehicle surroundings. The inner status of the tank (pressure, temperature of the liquid phase and the steel casing), the development of the fire (temperature inside and around the vehicle) and the pressure induced in the near-field in case of tank rupture were recorded. The results were analysed in detail and compared against the data gained in tests involving sole, but identical LPG tanks.
Most fluorinated hydrocarbons that shall replace refrigerants with high GWP, like R134a, are flammable. For evaluating inertization measures for explosion protection, flammability of low-GWP refrigerants R1234yf, R32 and R1132a blended with carbon dioxide, nitrogen and argon were studied experimentally in a closed autoclave at atmospheric conditions. Furthermore, a calculation method was adapted to reduce the experimental costs for flammability studies on these gas mixtures. For igniting R1234yf in the closed autoclave a newly developed ignition system was used that allows generating electric arcs with high ignition energy. Gas mixtures containing the mildly flammable R1234yf and R32 could be inerted by adding much less inert gas than mixtures containing R1132a, which is more similar to unfluorinated hydrocarbons regarding the explosion regions. By using the adapted model of constant adiabatic flame temperature profiles estimating the explosion limits of fluorinated hydrocarbons was possible with similar accuracy as for unfluorinated hydrocarbons.
Keywords: Explosion Protection, Inertization, Flammability, HFOs, HFC., R1234yf, R32, R1132a
Most fluorinated hydrocarbons that shall replace refrigerants with high GWP. like R134a. are flammable. For evaluating inertization measures for explosion protection. flammability of low-GWP refrigerants R1234yf, R32 and R1132a blended with carbon dioxide.
Nitrogen and argon were studied experimentally in a closed autoclave
at atmospheric conditions. Furthermore, a calculation method was
adapted to reduce the experimental costs for flammability studies on
these gas mixtures. For igniting R1234yf in the closed autoclave a
newly developed ignition system was used that allows generating
electric arcs with high ignition energy. Gas mixtures containing the
mildly flammable R1234yf and R32 could be inerted by adding much
less inert gas than mixtures containing R1132a, which is more similar
to unfluorinated hydrocarbons regarding the explosion regions. By
using the adapted model of constant adiabatic flame temperature
profiles estimating the explosion limits of fluorinated hydrocarbons
was possible with similar accuracy as for unf luorinated hydrocarbons.
Lachgas kann als Medium in Kälteanwendungen unter -50 °C eingesetzt werden. Da ein explosionsartiger Zerfall von Lachgas bei erhöhtem Druck möglich ist, sind bei entsprechenden Anwendungen Explosionsgefahren zu beachten. Im Vortrag wurden die Voraussetzungen und die Einflussgrößen für den explosionsartigen Zerfall von Lachgas, wie Temperatur, Druck, Geometrie und Zündenergie vorgestellt und diskutiert. Weiterhin wurden Versuchsergebnisse zur Untersuchung des Einflusses geringer Mengen an brennbaren Komponenten (Propan und Öl-Nebel) auf die Explosionseigenschaften vorgestellt und die Stabilisierung der Gemische durch Beimischung von Kohlendioxid diskutiert.
Die BAM ist nahezu über die gesamte Wertschöpfungskette hinweg wissenschaftlich tätig. Von der sicheren und effizienten Wasserstofferzeugung (POWER-to-GAS), über die (Zwischen-)Speicherung von Wasserstoff in Druckgasspeichern bis hin zum Transport bspw. mittels Trailerfahrzeug zum Endverbraucher.
Komplettiert werden die Aktivitäten der BAM durch die sicherheitstechnische Beurteilung von wasserstoffhaltigen Gasgemischen, die Verträglichkeitsbewertung von Werkstoffen bis hin zur Detektion von Wasserstoffkonzentrationen über geeignete Sensorik, auch mittels ferngesteuerter Messdrohnen (sog. UAV-Drohnen).
Zudem untersucht die BAM proaktiv Schadensrisiken und Unfallszenarien für die Sicherheitsbetrachtung, um mögliche Schwachstellen aufzeigen und potenzielle Gefährdungen erkennen zu können.
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a widely used automotive fuel in a variety of countries. In case of a vehicle fire where the safety device also malfunctions, a failure of the CNG automotive cylinder could occur. Such a cylinder failure is associated with severe hazards for the surrounding environment. Firstly, a comprehensive analysis is given below, summarizing various accidents involving CNG automotive cylinders and their consequences. In an extensive experimental program, 21 CNG automotive cylinders with no safety device were tested. Of the 21, burst tests were carried out on 5 Type III and 5 Type IV cylinders. Furthermore, fire tests with 8 Type III and 3 Type IV cylinders were conducted. Apart from cylinder pressure, inner temperature and cylinder mantle temperature, the periphery consequences, such as nearfield blast pressure and fragmentation are documented. The maximum measured overpressure due to a Type III cylinder failure was p = 0.41 bar. Each traceable fragment was georeferenced. All-in-all, fragment throw distances of d > 300 m could be observed. As one key result, it can be stated that the tested Type IV CNG cylinders showed less critical failure behavior then the Type III cylinders under fire impingement.
The EU F-Gas Regulation grants exceptions from the GWP-related placing on the market prohibition for stationary refrigeration equipment for applications below -50 °C. Nonetheless, non-flammable refrigerants, which can be used for that temperature range, become increasingly expensive and rare inside the EU due to the phase down of HFCs under the regulation. Flammable alternatives based on methane, ethane and ethylene are available, but are not viable for all applications due to their flammability. Carbon dioxide cannot be used for applications below -50 °C due to CO 2 ’s triple point at -56 °C. Nitrous oxide with a triple point at -92 °C seems to be an alternative. However, possible exothermal decomposition of N 2 O calls for additional measures in order to be able to operate such systems safely. Two low-temperature systems have been developed, built and successfully operated at evaporation temperatures down to - 80 °C with mixtures of N 2 O and CO 2 and different lubricants at ILK and Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences. The units achieved similar energy efficiency as the standard HFC-equipment used for freeze drying. Possible decomposition of N 2 O could successfully be supressed by various measures.
Die F-Gas-Verordnung der EU gewährt Ausnahmen vom GWPbezogenen Verbot des Inverkehrbringens für stationäre Kühlgeräte für Anwendungen unter -50 °C. Brennbare Alternativen auf der Basis von Methan, Ethan und Ethylen stehen zur Verfügung, sind aber aufgrund ihrer Entzündbarkeit nicht für alle Anwendungen einsetzbar. Distickstoffmonoxid (N2O) mit einem Tripelpunkt bei -92 °C scheint aber eine Alternative zu sein. Die mögliche exotherme Zersetzung von N2O erfordert jedoch zusätzliche Maßnahmen, um solche Systeme sicher betreiben zu können. Am ILK und an der Hochschule Karlsruhe wurden zwei Tieftemperatursysteme mit Gemischen aus N2O und CO2 und verschiedenen Schmierstoffen entwickelt, gebaut und bei Verdampfungstemperaturen bis -80 °C erfolgreich betrieben.
VORSICHT: Reines N2O sowie Mischungen von N2O und CO2 mit Schmiermitteln auf Kohlenwasserstoffbasis können explosionsartig reagieren.
Entwicklungen zu Bestimmungsverfahren für sicherheitstechnische Kenngrössen hybrider Gemische
(2020)
Zur Bestimmung sicherheitstechnischer Kenngrößen (STK) von hybriden Gemischen (Gemisch aus mindestens zwei brennbaren Phasen, wie z.B. Staub/Gas- oder Gas/Dampf-Gemisch) existieren bislang keine einheitlichen, genormten Prüfmethoden. Die Normen und Regelwerke zur Bestimmung der STK von einphasigen brennbaren Systemen (Staub, Gas, Dampf) unterscheiden sich teilweise erheblich. Beispielsweise sind in den jeweiligen Normen für Stäube, Gase und Dämpfe unterschiedliche Zündquellen und Zündenergien definiert. Des Weiteren unterscheiden sich die in den Normen definierten Prüfabläufe bei der Gemischherstellung. Bei der Entwicklung einer einheitlichen Norm für hybride Gemische muss der Einfluss dieser beiden Parameter ermittelt werden, um die Vergleichbarkeit mit den STK der einzelnen Komponenten Gas, Staub und Dampf gewährleisten zu können und bisherige Erkenntnisse zu hybriden Gemischen interpretieren und bewerten zu können.
For the determination of safety characteristics of gases, vapors and dusts different types of ignition sources are used in international standards and guidelines. Table 1 compares technical relevant ignition sources with their main features. The paper presents test results of a comparative calorimetric and visual study between four different types of ignition sources. The ignition procedures were analyzed visually with a high-speed camera and electric recordings. In addition to that, the influence of the electrode-orientation, -distance as well as ignition energy on the reproducibility of the exploding wire igniter was tested.
The exploding wire is already in use for standardized determination of safety characteristics of gases, first tests on the suitability of the exploding wire igniter for dust testing have been carried out by Scheid et al. Using the exploding wire, the ignition energy can be varied from 2 to 10 000 J (2 x 5 000 J) and thus it could be used for gases, vapors, dusts and hybrid mixtures. Moreover it can be used at high initial pressures and it is the only ignition source with an easily measurable ignition energy release. Furthermore, it does not introduce another chemical reaction into the system.
Finally, a proposal for a standard ignition source for explosion tests on hybrid mixtures is derived from the test results.
Influence of pre-ignition pressure rise on safety characteristics of dusts and hybrid mixtures
(2021)
For the determination of the safety characteristics of dusts it is necessary to disperse the dust in the oxidating atmosphere (usually air). In the standard procedures for dusts this is realized by a partially evacuated explosion vessel (20L-sphere) in which the dust gets injected from a dust chamber pressurized with air. Shortly after that injection (60 ms) the dust cloud gets ignited under turbulent conditions, that are otherwise seen as almost ambient with 20 ◦C and about 1 bar (abs). While there has been a lot of research about the influence of the ignition delay time and the level of turbulence in the recent years little attention was paid to the pre–ignition pressure rise and the allowed variations in the standards. In the following work we showed that the allowed ranges for the pressures in the different dust standards influence the safety characteristics of dust alone severely.
Even though hybrid mixtures are an emerging risk problem in an interconnected industry there is no standard for the determination of their safety characteristics. In this work it is shown that especially for the preparation of hybrid mixtures of flammable dust and gas the pressures after injection of the dust and the mixing procedure have a large influence on the composition of the tested mixtures and therefore on the safety characteristics.
Considering both effects, wrong concentration of gas and wrong initial pressure, the discrepancy of safety characteristics from different facilities will be too big to applicable. The methods to overcome these weaknesses are also presented.
For the determination of safety characteristics of gases, vapors and dusts different types of ignition sources are used in international standards and guidelines. The paper presents test results of a comparative calorimetric and visual study between four different types of ignition sources. The ignition procedures were analyzed visually with a high-speed camera and electric recordings. In addition to that, the influence of the electrode-orientation, -distance as well as ignition energy on the reproducibility of the exploding wire igniter was tested.
The exploding wire is already in use for standardized determination of safety characteristics of gases, first tests on the suitability of the exploding wire igniter for dust testing have been carried out but are not standardized yet. Using the exploding wire, the ignition energy can be varied from 2 J to 10 000 J (2 x 5000 J) and thus it could be used for gases, vapors, dusts and hybrid mixtures. Moreover it can be used at high initial pressures and it is the only ignition source with an easily measurable ignition energy release. Furthermore, it does not introduce another chemical reaction into the system.
Finally, a proposal for a standard ignition source for explosion tests on hybrid mixtures is derived from the test results.
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.
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 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.