Effect of polyurethane foam and carbon dioxide on the suppression of hydrogen/air explosion

Abstract

This study examines the influence of polyurethane porous materials and carbon dioxide on hydrogen/air explosions within an enclosed vessel. Through analysis of peak overpressure, maximum rate of pressure rise, and shock wave propagation velocity, the suppression effects on explosions in hydrogen-air mixtures with different equivalence ratios at room temperature and atmospheric pressure are investigated. Findings indicate that porous materials with a PPI (pores per inch) of 60 significantly mitigate hydrogen/air explosions across all equivalence ratios. Conversely, a PPI below 60 exacerbates the explosions. Simultaneous presentation of PPI60 porous material and a CO2 addition level of x = 2 (carbon dioxide to oxygen ratio) reduces hydrogen explosion pressure to only 13.7 kPa at "Φ = " 1.2, representing an attenuation rate of 84% and falling well below the human safety threshold of 28 kPa. Independent effects of carbon dioxide and porous materials on hydrogen explosions across various equivalence ratios are also explored. The experimental design encompasses a broad range of equivalence ratios, covering hydrogen's explosive limits. These results contribute to the design of flame arrestors and enhance understanding of explosion suppression in hydrogen systems.