Hydrogen Safety and Detonation Quiz

Introduction to Hydrogen Technologies and Applications (CHEG 360) - Fall 2024

• Course covers hydrogen technologies and applications
• Specific lecture focused on safety related to hydrogen (Ch1-2)
• Lecturer: Dr. Lourdes F. Vega
• Additional lecturer: Dr. Daniel Bahamon Garcia
• Date: September 5th, 2024

Lecture 4: Hydrogen Safety (Ch 1-2)

• Outline: Hydrogen generation, storage, and utilization (Zhang et al. 1.1-1.3), Hydrogen facts, fundamental aspects of Hydrogen, safety (historical accidents, properties, risks in supply chain, hazard analysis, codes, standards, public perception – comparison with other fuels)

• Hydrogen Properties:

• Odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, non-corrosive

• Small molecular weight and size, highly diffusive, low viscosity

• High buoyancy (proportional to diffusion coefficient and changes with temperature)

• Additional bibliographical references:

• Provided links to various documents about Hydrogen applications and safety considerations, hazard analysis, risk assessment, etc.

• Hydrogen in Airships:

• Early use in dirigibles and zeppelins

• Advantages: abundance, lower cost than helium, excellent lift

• Safety concerns: flammable, highly explosive

• World War I use for bombing. Gas safety considered through separation from air to prevent combustion

• Hindenburg Disaster:

• May 6, 1937 incident in New York City

• Focus on the investigation of the cause of the explosion

• Investigation of the Hindenburg Accident:

• Speculation of sabotage, inconclusive

• Leakage(s) in the gas cells as probable cause (possibly failed support wire, during landing)

• Flammable hydrogen-air mixture leading to explosion

• Other Fatal Hydrogen Accidents (Discussion topic):

• Student groups to research on the topic and present results over 5 minutes

• Hydrogen Liquid Properties:

• Liquid below -253° C at atmospheric pressure

• Cryogenic liquid, severe freeze burns if contact occurs

• Double-walled, vacuum-jacketed and insulated containers for storage

• Properties of Liquid Hydrogen:

• Vapor cloud formation, fog potentially hazardous

• High Thermal expansion coefficient compared with water

• Less volatile, cleaner, and more economical storage at lower temp/pressure

• At higher temperatures becomes more volatile, but severely attacks mild steels.

• Safety and precautions:

• Understanding hazard signals, associated materials (e.g., SDS), with Liquid/Hydrogen

• Safety considerations, flammability, and explosions, containment issues

• Properties of Hydrogen compared to other fuels:

• Comparison table highlighting differences in color, toxicity, odor, buoyancy, energy by weight, energy by volume, flammability limits in air, and flame temperatures

• Safety comparison with respect to other fuels:

• Hydrogen's combustion, flammability, and explosion risk compared with other fuels (natural gas and gasoline).

• Hydrogen produces heat and water, carbon not produced, and water vapor absorbs heat. Therefore, there is less power to disperse heat by a hydrocarbon fire.

• Hydrogen's very wide flammability range (4% - 74%), in addition to its ability to form explosive mixtures, require particular handling and safety protocols

• Public perception of Hydrogen:

• Factors influencing public perception: Expert vs. general public opinions

• Pyramid model incorporating influences, actions, what we say/think to depict public perceptions, and the Hindenburg disaster as an influence

• Questions regarding public perceptions and if an individual would purchase a hydrogen car, and opinions on travelling using hydrogen-powered transportation

• Safety and precautions related to storage:

• Hydrogen gas ignites spontaneously in air

• Detonation parameters (pressure, temperature), dependent on geometry

• Handling with extreme care, caution required in gaseous or liquid forms.

• H2TRUST - EU Project/Book Objectives:

• Developing an informative guide for non-experts regarding hydrogen

• Covering areas: what is hydrogen?, main applications (especially fuel cells), location of hydrogen distribution, production/storage procedures/applications, safety info and best practices (H2TRUST)

• Course Conclusion and Messages:

• Safety based on standards and procedures for hydrogen

• Different standards for handling hydrogen production/storage/use/application

• Importance of education to enhance acceptance and utilization.

Test your knowledge about hydrogen gas detonation and safety measures in this quiz. Explore key concepts such as ignition, storage, and potential risks associated with hydrogen technology. Understanding these factors is essential for safe handling and effective application of hydrogen.