Experiments and Modelling of Explosive Mixture Formation in a Closed Space as a Result of Flammable Gas Leak

Abstract

This paper is focused on problem of gas behaviour at a gas leak from the low-pressure pipe system. During a gas leak, leaking flammable gas is mixed with the ambient air and hazardous explosive mixture is formed. Formation of local critical concentrations of methane-air mixture in a closed dissected space depends on duration of a gas leak. Velocity of propagation of leaked gas, local explosive concentrations of gas-air mixture and also duration of formations of these local concentrations could be determined using successful verification of CFD simulation with experiments. The detailed numerical analysis enables to determine volume concentration methane-air mixture in any point of the investigated area. This work could contribute to more accurate analysis of gas leaks in residential and technological objects with occurrence of flammable, toxic or other dangerous gases.