Stratification characteristics of hydrogen-blended natural gas for gas risers inside residential users

In this paper, a CFD model is developed to examine the stratification characteristics of hydrogen-blended natural gas in residential gas risers. Meanwhile, the accuracy of the CFD model is validated by field experiments. The effects of relevant parameters on stratification are analyzed, including hydrogen blending ratio, riser internal diameter, riser height, media temperature, and media pressure. The relative importance of relevant parameters for stratification is identified using the orthogonal experiment design and improved grey relational analysis. Furthermore, a device is designed to mitigate the impact of blended gas stratification. The results show that the stratification of hydrogen-blended natural gas inside residential gas risers is significant in the direction of gravity. The maximum stratification height in standing for 8 h can reach up to 17.4 cm. The stratification height presents a negative correlation with riser internal diameter, riser height, and media temperature, while that represents a positive correlation with hydrogen blending ratio and media pressure. Furthermore, the effects of these parameters on stratification height could be ranked as follows: media pressure > hydrogen blending ratio > riser internal diameter > riser height > media temperature. These achievements provide effective guidance for residential users on safely using hydrogen-blended natural gas.