Explosion characteristics and explosion control measures of hydrogen-enriched natural gas in curved sections of utility tunnels

doi:10.16265/j.cnki.issn1003-3033.2026.07.0828

Abstract

Abstract:

The problems of unclear laws of hydrogen-enriched natural gas explosion propagation in the gas compartment in curved utility tunnels and inefficient explosion prevention and control methods were addressed. To achieve this, a scaled explosion experimental system, numerical simulation technology (OpenFOAM), and explosion dynamics theory were designed. The influence of turning bends on explosion propagation characteristics was studied. The explosion control mechanisms of explosion control methods at bends were analyzed. The results show that the explosion power of hydrogen-enriched natural gas with rich hydrogen surges near turning bends. The explosion overpressure peak before the tunnel turns is increased with the increase of the turning angle, while it is the opposite after turning. The tunnel structure after turning is protected by the large-angle bends. Shock wave diffraction is formed at the turning bends of the tunnel, and the formation of a weak chemical reaction zone is led to, and a triangular high-pressure zone is formed at the turning point with the increase of the turning angle. Therefore, the bend and the tunnel structure after turning can be effectively protected by setting explosion control measures at bends. Among them, the highest explosion control efficiency of the explosion vent at the bend is as high as 73.33%. The highest explosion control efficiency of the water spray system is 50.21%, while the highest explosion control efficiency of the energy-absorbing material is 16.31%. A reference basis for the layout strategy of explosion consequence control measures in the gas compartment at curved utility tunnels can be provided by the research results.

Key words: utility tunnels, curve, hydrogen-enriched natural gas, explosion charcteristics, explosion control measures

CLC Number:

X932爆炸安全与防火、防爆

Cao Jiaojiao, Wu Jiansong, Yao Wei. Explosion characteristics and explosion control measures of hydrogen-enriched natural gas in curved sections of utility tunnels[J]. China Safety Science Journal, 2026, 36(7): 144-152.

Figures/Tables 11

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