Gasexplosion

A gas explosion is the special case of an explosion in which an explosive gas mixture ignites and burns in a very short time. Depending on volume, pressure and temperature of the gas, it can be either a deflagration, explosion or detonation.

Conditions

In order to bring about a gas explosion, both an explosive gas atmosphere and an ignition source is required. The explosive atmosphere is composed of a combustible gas and oxygen, the oxygen may be present as air mixture. Ignitability is achieved when the concentration of the gas between upper and lower explosion limit. The ignition source, various electrical or mechanical effects can be used, which provides the required ignition or ignition temperature. At relatively high concentration ratios of certain gases (eg, hydrogen ) or turbulence ( see, for instance the Buncefield fuel depot fire ) can also auto-ignition without the need for a source of ignition occur.

Provision

The measures are necessary to prevent a gas explosion are treated in the area of ​​gas explosion protection. Here, both methods are shown, which contribute to the minimization of the risk. Among the preventive measures on the one hand include the prevention of an explosive atmosphere, on the other hand, the prevention of the effects of an explosion. This purpose will be provided by the legislature of certain requirements for operators of facilities with hazardous areas and to the manufacturer of explosion-proof products. To meet the requirements of national and international standards exist that can be used by operators and manufacturers. In Germany, a review of natural gas facilities every 12 years, of LNG facilities is required every 10 years. The German Association of Gas and Water Industry Association eV recommends an annual test that can be performed by the owner. For LPG installations of the Association of Energy Consumers recommends an annual maintenance performed by an expert.

Fire-fighting

By gas explosions property damage and personal injury may result. The rescue team of firefighters or other institutions can only intervene if the risk of explosion is minimized to an acceptable risk. This can occur, for example, that the operator of the gas network to supply the accident site with gas turns off until the mixture has evaporated. In leaky containers of liquids or gases, a seal or suction escaping vapors may be an appropriate action.

If such explosive gas mixture, better yet, a spark ( breaking sparks at light switches, clashing point metal flashlight, for example, or the like) is enough to ignite it. For this reason, the natural gas from the gas works with a fragrance ( tetrahydrothiophene ), which smells like rotten eggs, enriched, which is to warn the residents in time.