Fire Safety in Hydrogen Processing Facilities - Design Considerations
Söderholm, Dick (2023)
2023
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023121136181
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023121136181
Tiivistelmä
Lately, there has been a growing demand for green hydrogen as a fuel source, recognized as an alternative in mitigating CO2e emissions arising from the usage of fossil fuels. The purpose of this bachelor’s thesis was to provide an overview of fire safety in hydrogen processing facilities, with a focus on building design. The goal was to compile a comprehensive summary of fire safety design considerations, including relevant legislation and risks as wells as methods for fire protection and suppression. The work was conducted as a literature study.
The study identified several risks associated with hydrogen handling, with the most significant being hydrogen's flammability and tendency to leak. By understanding these fundamental principles related to hydrogen and fire safety, it is possible to control these properties and mitigate the hazards through various design and technical solutions.
Leak detection in combination with appropriate ventilation can be considered one of the most important safety measures, and the first line of defence. In confined spaces, hydrogen can accumulate, posing an explosion hazard, which should be considered in the design through explosion relief measures and structural solutions. Additionally, since hydrogen is generally stored under high pressure, it further increases the risks, and consequently, jet fire is a constant hazard. Hence, it is crucial to protect essential processes, safety devices, and load bearing structures with active and passive fire protection methods, considering the risk of jet fire along with other types of fire hazards. In addition, a fire detection system is critical and should be designed to detect hydrogen fires along with other types of fires; thus, the use of correct detection technology is essential. Safety distances between different processes and structures is vital when mitigating consequences and propagation of accidents. Consideration should also be given to facilitate access for emergency responses and firefighting.
The study was commissioned by Ramboll, Industrial and Global Services, and the information gathered in the thesis can provide an introduction for designers to the topic of fire safety and related concerns in facilities handling and producing hydrogen. This study helps to understand the fundamental principles regarding fire safety in relation to hydrogen, and in addition, it can function as a checklist or an aid in the design process.
The study identified several risks associated with hydrogen handling, with the most significant being hydrogen's flammability and tendency to leak. By understanding these fundamental principles related to hydrogen and fire safety, it is possible to control these properties and mitigate the hazards through various design and technical solutions.
Leak detection in combination with appropriate ventilation can be considered one of the most important safety measures, and the first line of defence. In confined spaces, hydrogen can accumulate, posing an explosion hazard, which should be considered in the design through explosion relief measures and structural solutions. Additionally, since hydrogen is generally stored under high pressure, it further increases the risks, and consequently, jet fire is a constant hazard. Hence, it is crucial to protect essential processes, safety devices, and load bearing structures with active and passive fire protection methods, considering the risk of jet fire along with other types of fire hazards. In addition, a fire detection system is critical and should be designed to detect hydrogen fires along with other types of fires; thus, the use of correct detection technology is essential. Safety distances between different processes and structures is vital when mitigating consequences and propagation of accidents. Consideration should also be given to facilitate access for emergency responses and firefighting.
The study was commissioned by Ramboll, Industrial and Global Services, and the information gathered in the thesis can provide an introduction for designers to the topic of fire safety and related concerns in facilities handling and producing hydrogen. This study helps to understand the fundamental principles regarding fire safety in relation to hydrogen, and in addition, it can function as a checklist or an aid in the design process.