Recent advances in hydrogen process safety: Deflagration behaviors and explosion mitigation strategies

Fire and explosion accidents frequently occur during hydrogen production, transportation, storage, and utilization processes, leading to significant casualties and economic losses. In this work, the characteristics of confined hydrogen explosions, hydrogen cloud explosions, and hydrogen blending explosions are summarized. Moreover, strategies for mitigating hydrogen deflagration, including explosion inhibition, explosion venting, and flame quenching, are analyzed. The results show that the deflagration behaviors of hydrogen under extreme initial conditions, such as low temperature and high pressure, are not yet well-understood. Research studies have demonstrate the marked effects of mitigating hydrogen deflagration, but this process has certain disadvantages. Porous materials and alkyl halides show dual promotion and inhibition effects. The suppression efficiency of inert gas and water mist must be improved. Powder suppressants with low pyrolysis temperatures and high decomposition efficiencies can be designed and employed to suppress hydrogen explosions.