Temperature effect on explosion parameters of hydrogen-air deflagrations in presence of water vapor

Results of investigation of hydrogen-air deflagrations phenomenon in closed vessel in various initial temperatures and volume fraction of water vapor are presented in following paper. Tests were performed in apparatus which construction complies with EN 15967 recommendations—20-litre sphere. Studied parameters were explosion pressure (Pex) and maximum explosion pressure (Pmax). Defining the influence of the initial conditions (temperature and amount of water vapor) on the maximum pressure of the hydrogen-air deflagration in a constant volume was the main aim. Initial temperatures were equal to 373K, 398K and 413K. Initial pressure was ambient (0.1 MPa). Hydrogen volume fraction differed from 15% to 80%, while humidity volume fraction from 0% to 20%. Ignition source was placed in geometrical center of testing chamber and provided energy between 10-20J from burnout of fuse wire with accordance to abovementioned standard. Common features of all experimentally obtained results were discussed. Maximum explosion pressure (Pmax) decreases with increasing the initial temperature. Furthermore, addition of the water vapor for constant initial temperature decreases value of Pmax and shifts the maximum peak to the direction of lean mixtures. Data provided in paper can be useful in assessment of explosion risk of industry installations working with hydrogen-air atmospheres with high water vapor addition.