Effects of Vent Size and Wind on Dispersion of Hydrogen Leaked in a Partially Open Space: Studies by Numerical Analysis

Abstract

To understand the dispersion of hydrogen (H₂) leaked in a partially open space practically, which can be considered as a basic model for all processes of transfer, treatment, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials containing fuel debris in the decommissioning of nuclear facilities after a severe accident, this paper uses a computational fluid dynamics code to study analytically the effects of vent size and outer wind on H₂ dispersion. The paper adopts the experimental Hallway model, which has a H₂ release hole on the ceiling, one vent on the roof (Roof vent), and one vent on the side (Door vent). Air flows in the model (room) from the Door vent while H₂ is discharged outside from the Roof vent. The discharged (outflow) amount of H₂ increases in conjunction with the air inflow when the size of the Roof and/or Door vents is increased, and then vice versa. The effect of wind depends on the direction to the Door vent: Wind from the same direction as the Door vent promotes H₂ discharge while wind from the opposite direction suppresses it. The dispersion behavior characteristics of indoor leaked H₂ are clarified for comparing model tests with the same Froude number and different scales. It is found from the analysis results of comparing model tests with the same Froude number and different scales that when H₂ leaks into the room and diffuses to the air, the flow generated by the buoyancy of mixed gas creates the stack effect, which causes natural ventilation by drawing in air from the outside through the vent. In addition, it is speculated that the H₂ concentration decreases after its leak by quickly mixing with air that flows in from the vents and reaches the floor due to the Coanda effect, which is the effect of the free jet being drawn to a nearby wall.

Keywords:

• Hydrogen
• dispersion
• computational fluid dynamics
• vent size, wind

Acknowledgments

M. Inoue and H. Tsukikawa of Kyushu University are acknowledged for their considerable contribution and provision of data of the Hallway model and 1/2 Hallway model experiment.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).