Particle impact testing helps determine the conditions required to ignite particulate contamination,
Read MoreHydrogen is quickly becoming a global contender for alternative energy, but these applications actually account for less than 10% of global hydrogen consumption.[i] As the hydrogen economy grows, the world is rethinking the way that hydrogen is produced, transferred, and utilized.
In this article, we will look at both the historic leaders of global hydrogen consumption and the newer contenders for hydrogen technology and innovation.
About 55% of the hydrogen around the world goes to ammonia production; 25% is used in refining and about 10% is used to produce methanol. Other applications only account for only about 10%.
For decades, hydrogen has been used primarily by the chemical and refining industries. End applications include:
Hydrogen also has a long history of use in several other industries. These include:
Personal hydrogen fuel cells electric vehicles (HFCEVs) like this one represent a fast-growing new industry for hydrogen consumption.
Newly commercialized applications of hydrogen, like fuel cells, are opening all kinds of new opportunities in transportation and other energy-related industries. In some applications, hydrogen is used as an alternative combustible fuel. Notable growth areas include:
In 2007, WHA investigated a catastrophic hydrogen explosion at the Muskingum River Power Plant. Due to a failed rupture disk on a storage vessel, a large quantity of hydrogen escaped and collected under a roof before it ignited, killing one and injuring 10 others.
WHA has long history with hydrogen safety, and many end applications also incorporate WHA’s unique expertise with oxygen as an oxidizer.
Many of WHA’s founding engineers began their careers at NASA, which pioneered early applications of hydrogen fuels and fuel cells. WHA Principal Chemist Dr. Harold Beeson actually served on the team that developed the NASA Standard for Hydrogen and Hydrogen Systems, which was later adapted into the AIAA Guide to Safety of Hydrogen and Hydrogen Systems.
WHA Mechanical and Forensic Engineer Dr. Dani Murphy also brings a wealth of experience from NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) and the Colorado School of Mines, where she was involved in research on fuel cells, electrolyzers, and hydrogen infrastructure, including filing station design and safety.
For over 30 years, WHA has been investigating hydrogen incidents and using lessons learned to create new resources and services to help industry defend against hydrogen fires and explosions.
As the hydrogen industry grows, so do the risks. Many new applications of hydrogen utilize conditions previously rarely seen on large commercial scale. Transportation fuel cell systems, for example, often store hydrogen at pressures 70 MPa (10,000+ psi) or higher. Other liquid hydrogen applications operate with extreme cryogenic temperatures.
WHA offers hazard analysis, custom testing, and other specialized safety services to help industry understand and defend against hydrogen fires and explosions.
Wherever hydrogen is used, it is especially important that personnel receive proper hazardous materials training. In fact, OSHA requires it. WHA helps clients meet and exceed this requirement by providing multiple levels of hydrogen safety training from basic hazard awareness to advanced system design and risk analysis, all taught by WHA’s expert-level instructors.
No matter the industry or final application, WHA International is ready to support your hydrogen safety needs.
Contact us today to learn more about failure analysis, hazard analysis, technical training, and other safety services available from WHA.
Contact UsParticle impact testing helps determine the conditions required to ignite particulate contamination,
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