Flame propagation characteristics of premixed hydrogen–air deflagration with low concentration in a pipeline

Abstract

This study used a visualized explosion propagation experimental system to investigate the flame propagation and hydroxyl (OH·) spectral radiation characteristics of hydrogen deflagration at the hydrogen concentration range of 7–17 vol%. The experimental results indicated that maximum flame propagation velocity, maximum explosion pressure, maximum flame temperature, and maximum relative spectral intensity of OH· gradually increased with hydrogen concentration. When concentration increased from 13 vol% to 17 vol%, the time to reach the maximum flame propagation velocity, the formation time of tulip flame, and the duration of the spectral radiation signal of OH· decreased by 52.9%, 55.6%, and 48.2%, respectively. In addition, flame propagation velocity oscillated when the tulip flame appeared, and maximum explosion pressure appeared later than the maximum temperature. Maximum flame propagation velocity, maximum explosion pressure, and maximum flame temperature positively correlated with maximum relative spectral intensity in the reaction system. These findings may serve as an essential reference for the safe and effective use of hydrogen and the research and development of radical targeted explosion suppressants.