7 replies to this topic

[rajeevd]

We operate a process that generates lot of hyrdogen gas. The system is purged with an inert gas also to keep the % of hydogen to a minimum. What other equipment could be used besides a flame arrestor ( outdated i beleive) at the vent side of the line. If flame arrestor is the only possibility, what is the best place to find literature about it?
Thanks

[mbeychok]

Have you considered using an elevated flare? If so, you might try contacting the John Zinc company at www.johnzinc.com.

[Gowrisankar]

We operate a process that generates lot of hyrdogen gas. The system is purged with an inert gas also to keep the % of hydogen to a minimum. What other equipment could be used besides a flame arrestor ( outdated i beleive) at the vent side of the line. If flame arrestor is the only possibility, what is the best place to find literature about it?
Thanks

If the H2 issued out is adequately (say >75% pure), then may be flaring or disposal of any kind should be temepered with considerations & possibilities of gainfully using them for productive activities, Fuel cells for example. H2 is a hard to get by resource and the whole world is believed to be working towards a Carbon-free energy industry for the future and Hydrogen is the only seemingly available alternative until now. Try a lateral view point to your problem. Best wishes.

[rajeevd]

Thanks.for the prompt reply. Considering hydrogen for fuel cells is great idea, but we dont run the process 24x7. Maybe once/ twice a month for total of 48 hrs. In other words, the flame arrestor we had caught fire due to lightning most probably i belive. To prevent this to happening again, i was wondering if there is specific type of FA for H2. FA was installed sinve early 80's and i thought may be there is a better type/pacakage out there etc.

Flaring is a good idea, but would require going thru permits etc....
appreciate the responses.

Thanks!

[Don Coffman]

Rajeevd,

Be careful. Check flame speed. Hydrogen burning velocity may blow-through a arrestor.

Don Coffman

[dideyjohn]

try NAO Inc in Philadelphia - I think they make a H2 flame arrestor

[edfarman]

Dear Dave,
I think that a good idea to re-use it in process system to raise a heat. But it's depend on the amount of generated hydrogen it self and so it need special equipment to maintain of volume of hydrogen that will be re-used in the existing system. That is must be a new project, isn't it?
Dear rajeevd said the system is purged with an inert gas also to keep the % of hydrogen to a minimum. So -that why- hydrogen just vented (or go to flaring system).
The function of flame arrester it self -in my understanding- to protect the flames go to inside of equipment/piping. CMIIW . The other way to purge it with inert gas, such as nitrogen and it shall be positive pressure. So our Rajeevd's plant have a double protection for it's safety design.
There is also a special flame arrester that capable of arresting hydrogen-oxygen flames. For example and reference only in detail you can see in http://www.recemat.c..._arresting.html.
That all. Hope it help.