A consideration of methods of determining the radiative characteristics of jet fires

The radiative characteristics of jet fires is usually expressed through the use of a fraction of heat radiated, which is primarily a property of the fuel being considered. It is generally determined from experimental data of incident radiation around a fire and then derived by using a model of the incident radiation in terms of the fraction of heat radiated. Popular approaches include the single point source model where the flame is represented by a single point usually located halfway along the flame, or use of an idealised flame shape, such as a cylinder or cone, and deriving the flame surface emissive power which is closely related to the fraction of heat radiated. However, these modelling approaches may provide erroneous results for the fraction of heat radiated if incident radiation data in the near-field is used, and the fraction of heat radiated derived using one modelling approach may not be applicable to another approach without some adjustment. This paper explores the inherent near-field and far-field behaviour of different modelling approaches and the resulting impact on the fraction of heat radiated derived from each modelling approach using incident radiation data. A weighted multi-point source approach model was found to replicate both near-field and far-field behaviour well and capable of deriving the true fraction of heat radiated. Four idealised shapes were considered and it was found that the true fraction of heat radiated would need to be adjusted for use with these models even in the far-field, and some shortcomings in near-field behaviour were identified, which would suggest that some weighting of the surface emissive power over different regions of the flame would be needed. Finally, an idealised shape with hemispherical point sources distributed over its surface was considered and this model behaved well in both the near-field and far-field

Vapour cloud explosions in a long congested region involving methane/hydrogen mixtures

A series of large scale vapour cloud explosions in a long congested region were conducted using methane/hydrogen mixtures. The congested region measured 3 m × 3 m × 18 m long and was preceded by a confined region which allowed an explosion flame with some initial flame speed and turbulence to be generated which then entered the congested region. During the experiments the flame speed and explosion overpressure were measured through the congested region. The hydrogen content in the methane/hydrogen mixture was varied from 0 to 50% by volume. A key objective was to determine factors that could lead to continued flame acceleration through the congested region, such as the hydrogen concentration, the initial flame speed entering the congestion and the level of congestion. The results are reported together with some detailed observations of the complex nature of pressure traces produced by explosion events of this type

Gas build-up in a domestic property following releases of methane/hydrogen mixtures

The results of large scale experiments to study gas accumulation within a ventilated enclosure representing a domestic room are presented. Gas was released vertically upwards at a pressure typical of that experienced in a domestic environment from hole sizes representative of leaks and breaks in pipes. The released gas composition was either methane or a methane/hydrogen mixture containing up to 50% hydrogen. During the experiments, gas concentrations throughout the enclosure and the external wind conditions were monitored. A mathematical model has also been developed to describe the gas release as it mixes with air and forms a layer of gas/air mixture in the upper part of the enclosure. The model accounts for both wind and buoyancy driven ventilation, which arises as a result of the formation of the gas accumulation within the enclosure. The results show the importance of buoyancy driven ventilation on the steady state gas concentrations achieved

Vented confined explosions involving methane/hydrogen mixtures

The EC funded Naturalhy project is assessing the potential for using the existing gas infrastructure for conveying hydrogen as a mixture with natural gas (methane). The hydrogen could then be removed at a point of use or the natural gas/hydrogen mixture could be burned in gas-fired appliances thereby providing reduced carbon emissions compared to natural gas. As part of the project, the impact on the safety of the gas system resulting from the addition of hydrogen is being assessed. A release of a natural gas/hydrogen mixture within a vented enclosure (such as an industrial housing of plant and equipment) could result in a flammable mixture being formed and ignited. Due to the different properties of hydrogen, the resulting explosion may be more severe for natural gas/hydrogen mixtures compared to natural gas. Therefore, a series of large scale explosion experiments involving methane/hydrogen mixtures has been conducted in a 69.3 m3 enclosure in order to assess the effect of different hydrogen concentrations on the resulting explosion overpressures. The results showed that adding up to 20% by volume of hydrogen to the methane resulted in a small increase in explosion flame speeds and overpressures. However, a significant increase was observed when 50% hydrogen was added. For the vented confined explosions studied, it was also observed that the addition of obstacles within the enclosure, representing congestion caused by equipment and pipework, etc., increased flame speeds and overpressures above the levels measured in an empty enclosure. Predictions of the explosion overpressure and flame speed were also made using a modified version of the Shell Global Solutions model, SCOPE. The modifications included changes to the burning velocity and other physical properties of methane/hydrogen mixtures. Comparisons with the experimental data showed generally good agreement