Experimental study on accumulation of helium released into a semi-confined enclosure with distributed leaks. (31st March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liang, Z.; McKenna, A.; Clouthier, T.; David, R.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 23(2021)
• Page Start: 12522
• Page End: 12532
• Publication Date: 2021-03-31
• Subjects: Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.08.246
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: This paper examines the helium dispersion behavior in a 16.6 m 3 enclosure with a small opening in the floor and distributed leaks along the edges. Helium, a simulant for hydrogen, was injected near the center of the floor with an injection rate ranging from 2 to 50 standard liters per minute (Richardson number of 0.3–134) through an upward-facing nozzle. In a short-term transient, the helium distribution predicted with the models of Baines & Turner (1969) and Worster & Huppert (1983) matched the measured distributions reasonably well. In a long-term transient, the vertical helium profile always reached a steady state, which consisted of a homogenous layer at the top overlaying a stratified layer at the bottom. The helium transients in the uniform layer predicted with the models of Lowesmith (2009) and Prasad & Yang (2010), assuming a vent was located in the ceiling, were in good agreement with the measured transients. Highlights: Helium dispersion in an empty semi-confined enclosure. Helium distribution profile with low natural ventilation. Effect of distributed leaks on helium distribution. Predictive methods for helium distribution.