Problems with oxygen in water electrolysis hydrogen production devices?
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In a hydrogen production system using water electrolysis, only hydrogen is used while oxygen is not utilized; then what facilities are needed for venting that oxygen?
Oxygen release must not be done indoors; if it is to be released outdoors, it must be directed to a safe location.
The water in the electrolyzer is split into H2 and O2 under the action of direct current, and together with the circulating electrolyte, it enters the hydrogen and oxygen separation washers respectively for gas-liquid separation, washing, and cooling. Hydrogen and oxygen have their pressures adjusted to maintain pressure balance in the electrolyzer, ensuring the safe operation of the system. Hydrogen passes through a purification unit and enters the hydrogen storage tank for use in the production system. After pressure regulation, the oxygen is led outside the plant to a high location for direct release. Make sure to maintain a certain distance from the hydrogen vent pipe.
Thank you for your guidance, seniors. Are there any standards I can refer to regarding the design of the oxygen vent pipe?
Regarding the discharge height of the oxygen exhaust pipe, as well as the calculation of the distance from surrounding flammable materials, personnel platforms, and other sensitive areas, diffusion simulation software can be used for these simulations. The influencing factors include: 23.5% related to the Level of Concern for O2, the pressure at the O2 emission source, the orientation of the emission outlet – horizontal or upward, and the temperature at which O2 is emitted, among others. If one doesn’t want to do the calculations, I remember that the European Gas Industry Association issued a latest set of general guidelines regarding the installation of emission outlets for common industrial gases such as O2 and N2. It’s a simple list that specifies which gases are involved, what the pressure levels should be, and the minimum elevation at which emissions should occur. You can search for it online.
A certain distance? How much exactly?
Venting: Consider whether there is an oxygen-rich condition in local areas, and there is also a standard for the flow rate of oxygen in the pipes.