Dynamic evolution of flame and overpressure of leakage and explosion of hydrogen-blended natural gas in utility tunnels

Abstract

In order to ascertain the true characteristics of the leakage explosion loads of hydrogen-blended natural gas (HBNG) in utility tunnels, the influence of leakage location on the concentration field distribution of HBNG leakage in utility tunnels was studied through the CFD technique. Furthermore, the characteristics of explosion flame and overpressure load distribution of HBNG of inhomogeneous distribution under effect of different ignition delay times and ignition positions were also investigated. The results show that the greater the distance between the leakage location and the air outlet, the more readily HBNG can propagate throughout the utility tunnel. This, in turn, leads to more prominent downstream gas cloud stratification. The development of explosion flame is primarily seen in the direction of low resistance and ample space within the utility tunnel. With the increase in ignition delay time (tid) and the backward shift of the leakage location (Llk), the average flame velocity generally exhibits a decreasing trend. Overall, the peak overpressure exhibits a concave trend. Under circumstances where the leakage source is in the front or middle section of the tunnel, the average peak overpressure demonstrates a general tendency of increase followed by decline with the increase in tid. In comparison, in the case of a leakage source located at the back end, it decreases gradually as tid increases. The most severe explosion overpressure load is readily induced when the leakage source is located at the front end. In the case of a leakage source located in the front section of the tunnel, the overpressure load at each measuring point decreases continuously and then rises as the ignition position moves backward. However, in the case of a leakage source located in the rear section of the tunnel, the average value of peak overpressure induced by ignition in the middle of the tunnel is the greatest, while the average value of peak overpressure induced by ignition at the back end is the smallest. The maximum explosion overpressure load is found at the front-most leakage source under front-end ignition conditions. The findings of this study offer scientific substantiation for the structure of the utility tunnel, which is designed for explosion withstanding, prevention, and control as well as risk assessment.