FAQ Keywords: Explosion

Explosion testing with hydrogen should be utilized only where there is not an established alternative and then only by personnel experienced in such testing. 
Testing with hydrogen is…

There are several concerns with “snuffing” a hydrogen fire from a vent stack. Most importantly, snuffing a hydrogen fire before the hydrogen is isolated…

Sprinkler systems and other fire suppression means are prescribed per building and fire codes to limit fire spread to other materials. In the case of a hydrogen leak and fire, it is best practice…

No, this is not a common or preferred approach. Isolating the source of hydrogen is the best safety practice. Water systems could extinguish the flame but allow the gas to continue leaking and…

The potential of an explosive atmosphere is inherent with any vent system and must be addressed through adequate design. Purging for most vent stacks is impractical due to availability or cost. In…

Several organizations published a paper together on this topic in 2017 (see attached). Based on comparisons with tests and CFD simulations, the following conclusions were drawn:

1. The gas…

There is limited published research on the effect of water sprays on hydrogen deflagrations and deflagration-to-detonation transition, and more extensive data on water spray effects on hydrocarbon…

1.    As of January 2024, we are not aware of any public data on incidents or investigations where a hydrogen fired steam boiler exploded.

2.    The potential for…

There are two parts for such a system to be effective. First, the system would have to activate quickly enough to establish a water mist throughout the region of interest (i.e., region occupied by…

No, but it is always necessary to determine the possibility of an adverse chemical reaction with the particular material being used for the mesh.

The lesson learned (LL) article referenced in the question cites an incident that occurred in December 1969. While there may have been other accidents, the HSP does not have any other LL articles…

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Compressed Gas Association (CGA), and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE)   represent the U.S. fire protection and engineering…

I am communicating with a company that is exploring this technology for an application involving a mixture of flammable gases, including hydrogen.

The Panel has not received such inquiries. Section 14.2 of NFPA 69 Standard for Explosion Prevention Systems covers foam and mesh requirements. NFPA 69 states in 14.3.4 that the tests…

Yes, these would be ignitable mixtures.  In this case, it does not appear complicated geometry is involved, so 1200 psig pipe should be more than adequate to protect against internal…

Codes and standards to address issues like this one are under development, along with applied research and field trials. As with any new application, appropriate codes and standards must be…