Development of density and mass flow rate measurement technologies for slush hydrogen

Abstract

Slush hydrogen is a two-phase solid–liquid cryogenic fluid consisting of solid hydrogen particles in liquid hydrogen. Compared to liquid hydrogen, the density is about 16% greater at a solid mass ratio (solid fraction) of 50%, and the cryogenic heat capacity (enthalpy) is about 18% higher. Various applications are anticipated, including fuel for reusable space shuttles, coolant for cold neutron generation, as well as the transport and storage of hydrogen as a clean energy source. At a solid fraction of within 50%, piped transport can be conducted in the same way as for normal fluids. This paper reports on the slush hydrogen technology in terms of the measurement of the density and the mass flow rate.