(49a) Safely Implementing an Explosive Hydrogen Market: Applying Lessons Learned to Expanding Hydrogen Usage

With the DOE’s announcement of the hydrogen hubs and the upcoming publication of the IRS guidance for the production tax credit for hydrogen, public and private investment in this sector is expected to grow. While hydrogen has a long and safe track record at large industrial hydrogen producers and consumers such as refineries, fertilizer plants, chemical facilities, and metal processing, hydrogen’s unique physical properties require constant vigilance. Not only can unwanted hydrogen releases be easily ignited due to hydrogen’s low minimum ignition energy, but hydrogen flames also travel more rapidly than those of other common flammable gases. As a result, hydrogen deflagration or detonation can result in more severe damage.

In this presentation, we will discuss strategies to prevent the release, ignition or explosion of hydrogen. Using two case studies, we will highlight critical handling steps during transport and/or usage. For example, when transferring hydrogen from a tube trailer, following proper isolation procedures is essential to prevent undesirable releases and potential ignitions. Alternatively, when charging a closed vessel such as a reactor with hydrogen, it is important to first purge air from the vessel. Each of these examples provides unique lessons learned that should be implemented or considered in future design and/or usage of hydrogen systems.