Influence of vent distribution on the violence of a gas explosion

Abstract

International audienceThe development of new energies has led to their implementation in ISO maritime containers, raising the risk of flammable gas accumulation and explosion. Vent panels are commonly used to release excess gas produced by combustion and limit explosion overpressure. However, explosion discharge orifices are generally concentrated in one area. Little research has been done on the impact of vent distribution across the enclosure's surface. This article presents the results of an experimental study in which 1.2 m2 of vent area was distributed over the surface of a 37 m3 blast chamber. Four vent surface distribution configurations are studied. Two flammable mixtures, 15.5% and 17.4% hydrogen-air, respectively, were used, with two ignition source locations (backwall, central). An experimental study found that vent distribution reduces internal overpressure in the case of backwall ignition but has little influence when the ignition source is central. However, vent distribution plays a significant role in reducing external pressure effects