Why do combustible gases burn on their own after being ejected from a high-pressure container?
Thread Content
Dear everyone: We are a chemical manufacturing company. There was a leak in the methanol synthesis tower; as a result, the gases (mainly methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen) that escaped from the tower ignited on their own. How tall were those flames? I would like to know why the gas burns on its own after being ejected from the synthesis tower, given that the temperature of the gas is not high – the temperature in the synthesis tower is only around 230 degrees, which is far below the ignition point of the gas. And how should such fires be dealt with?
It’s mainly carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide, I guess! Can natural gas be used to produce methanol? Why is the methane content so high?
Is the flow rate of the gas too high when it exits, causing frictional static electricity to ignite the gas?
Is the flow rate of the gas too high when it exits, causing frictional static electricity to ignite the gas? In such situations, it’s almost impossible to put out the fire, and it’s also necessary to prevent the fire from spreading into the container and causing an explosion. It is necessary to shut down the isolation synthesis tower; nitrogen can be introduced into the tower to maintain positive pressure
The flow speed is too fast, reaching the speed of sound. Friction raises the temperature to the ignition point.
I personally agree with what was said above: friction generates static electricity sparks, and a slight positive pressure should be maintained after a leak occurs, as negative pressure can cause an explosion.
When high-pressure gas passes through tiny gaps, intense friction generates heat that leads to combustion. Flammable gases with a low flash point are ignited first, which in turn causes other flammable gases to burn. A fire also occurred in the synthesis tower at our company; it can be brought under control by reducing the system pressure, gradually lowering the load, and allowing appropriate venting.
It’s mainly static electricity; if there is no burning, water mist can be sprayed to prevent static electricity, and then the machine should be stopped for further handling.
The gas flow velocity is too high, causing static electricity due to friction with the pipe walls. Deflagration occurs when electrostatic accumulation discharge reaches the ignition point. Appropriate control of flow rate and effective static grounding can play a preventive role.
I agree with what the person above said – negative pressure can cause backflow, and if flammable gases burn inside the equipment, there is a high risk of explosion.