Suppression of hydrogen-air explosions by isobutene with special molecular structure

Effects of isobutene (i-C4H8) with the unique molecular structure on hydrogen explosions are investigated in a 14 L spherical chamber at 100 kPa and 298 K. The results reveal that for lean hydrogen-air mixtures, the maximum explosion overpressure, maximum pressure rise rate, and deflagration index show a trend from rise to decline. However, for stoichiometric and rich hydrogen-air mixtures, pressure parameters decrease monotonously with increasing i-C4H8. The chemical suppression mechanism of i-C4H8 on hydrogen explosions is revealed in detail by numerical simulation. The relevant analyses show that i-C4H8 can not only change the chain reaction path and cut off the hydrogen-oxygen reaction, but also strengthen the consumption of oxygen and H radicals. This work will provide a novel theoretical foundation for hydrogen explosion prevention and control. (c) 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The effects of isobutene on hydrogen explosions were investigated, revealing its ability to suppress the explosions. For lean mixtures, the addition of isobutene led to an initial increase and subsequent decrease in explosion pressure parameters, while for stoichiometric and rich mixtures, the pressure parameters decreased monotonously with increasing isobutene content. Numerical simulations revealed the chemical suppression mechanism of isobutene on hydrogen explosions.