Research progress and prospects of hydrogen elimination and explosion-proof technologies for pure hydrogen and hydrogen-blended natural gas pipeline transportation systems

ObjectiveAmid the global energy transition and the “dual-carbon” goals, hydrogen energy, as a clean energy carrier, holds significant application potential. However, hydrogen leakage in pure hydrogen and hydrogen-blended natural gas pipeline transportation systems poses a high explosion risk. Therefore, it is imperative to advance comprehensive hydrogen elimination, explosion prevention, and explosion suppression technologies to ensure safe transportation. MethodsThrough literature research and review analysis, the scientific principles of hydrogen elimination, passive and active protection, and explosion suppression technologies were systematically summarized. The effectiveness, applicable scenarios, and limitations of these technologies were evaluated. The innovative model of multi-medium collaborative hydrogen elimination and explosion suppression was analyzed in detail, alongside a compilation of the latest domestic and international research findings and engineering cases. ResultsIn terms of hydrogen elimination technologies, ventilation in open spaces was found to have limited effectiveness. While inerting provided effective explosion suppression, it involved high costs and safety risks. Catalytic hydrogen elimination demonstrated high efficiency but faced challenges with catalyst poisoning. A multi-stage collaborative hydrogen elimination system (such as ventilation combined with inerting and catalysis) significantly improved both safety and efficiency. For explosion-proof and pressure-relief technologies, active explosion-proof systems offered rapid response but required high equipment reliability, while passive systems needed structural optimization for hydrogen characteristics. Pressure-relief effectiveness was significantly influenced by relief outlet size and gas concentration, and secondary explosions needed to be prevented. Each single explosion suppression technology had limitations: inert gas suppression required high concentrations, liquid-phase suppression risked equipment corrosion, powder suppression was less effective in pure hydrogen, and porous material suppression faced issues with material selection and adaptability. Collaborative explosion suppression technologies significantly enhanced effectiveness through the synergistic action of multiple suppressants. ConclusionCurrent hydrogen elimination, explosion prevention, and explosion suppression technologies face challenges including high costs, limited material adaptability, and poor stability under complex conditions. Future efforts should focus on developing a collaborative model of efficient hydrogen elimination combined with multi-medium explosion suppression. This includes developing low-cost, anti-poisoning catalysts, intelligent control systems, and targeted hydrogen-absorbing materials, optimizing explosion suppression formulations, and establishing scenario-based safety standards to guide the safe operation of hydrogen pipeline transportation systems.