Experimental and numerical study on the explosion characteristics of syngas under different venting conditions

Abstract

To explore ways to mitigate the harm and damage caused by syngas explosions and provide a theoretical basis for the safe and widespread use of syngas, the explosion characteristics of syngas under different venting conditions were experimentally and numerically investigated in our work. Five venting configurations were established based on the location and size of the lateral vent. The combined effects of venting conditions and hydrogen concentrations on explosion characteristics were concerned. Results showed the lateral vent significantly impacted the flame front structure, flame propagation velocity, and overpressure. Moreover, the formation and development of tulip flame could be affected by the lateral vent and hydrogen concentration. The presence of a lateral vent reduced both the flame propagation velocity and overpressure. With increasing hydrogen concentration, the drop ratio of the maximum flame propagation velocity did not increase, whereas the drop ratio of the maximum overpressure increased for the same venting condition. Finally, the internal mechanism of syngas venting explosion under different venting conditions was revealed by numerical simulation. In short, the research results provided the theoretical basis for the safe utilization of syngas in the industrial production field.