Fixing Sensor Position Using Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis for Trace Detection of Toxic Gases

Abstract

High exposures of hydrogen-cyanide following accidental releases are very toxic. Hence this paper focuses on trace detection of accidental release of hydrogen-cyanide in industries. Computational Fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation of hydrogen-cyanide around circular sensors that is fixed at different locations under steady state condition with laminar and turbulent boundary conditions is performed for trace detection of accidental release of hydrogen-cyanide in industries. The CFD model is generated using Gambit software. CFD analysis is done using Fluent software which employs CFD technique, finite volume method to compute velocity profile, pressure distribution, and streamline pattern. This study provides sufficient details of dynamic flow of hydrogen cyanide which is achieved by designing sensors using CFD simulation. Comparing the velocity magnitudes of low velocity region and pressure values in various models, a variation in velocity magnitude and pressure values are observed around the circular sensors in Model 2, Model 3 and Model 4. But the magnitude of velocity and pressure values around the three sensors in Model 1 remains the same. The results reveal the fact that the flow is disturbed by the placement of sensors in all models except Model 1. Hence Model 1 is considered as the best model in this study. The sensor positions in 4 models are compared using the flow pattern of hydrogen cyanide around the circular sensors in various models. It is identified that the flow is undisturbed by the placement of sensors in Model 1. This information can be used in fixing sensors in an optimal position in industries and indoor environment to increase the efficiency of sensing.