Session: OAC-04-01 Storage and Transportation of Radioactive and other Hazardous Materials

Paper Number: 151867

151867 - Experimental and Numerical Analyses of Hydrogen Flames for the Thermal Testing of Transport Packages for Radioactive Material 

Abstract: 

Packages for the transport of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste are designed to endure severe accidents. To obtain approval, these transport packages must adhere to the specification-based criteria of the international transport regulations SSR-6 [1] by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). To ensure compliance with these requirements, specific mechanical and thermal tests need to be appointed with respect to the package type. For spent nuclear fuel packages, SSR-6 [1] prescribes two kinds of mechanical tests followed by a thermal fire test as part of a cumulative test procedure. The thermal test consists of a 30-minute fully engulfing 800°C pool fire or an equally severe fire. At BAM mostly propane gas fires are used for the testing of packages [2]. To support the European carbon dioxide emission reduction strategy, hydrogen was identified as a possible sustainable fuel for thermal testing. In this study, experimental and numerical analyses are presented following [3], aiming to assess the feasibility of using hydrogen as an energy source for the thermal testing of these transport package designs.

This experimental approach involves the design and construction of a hydrogen-based thermal test rig, capable of combusting hydrogen for a wide range of different burner geometries, mass flows and if necessary, hydrogen blends. The temperature, structure and radiation of the different hydrogen flames are surveyed via thermocouples, thermography and Gardon gauges. In future works, the results will enable the construction of a burner frame with hydrogen suitable for fire reference tests as in [4], and will allow comparisons with a pool and propane fire.

In parallel with the experimental work, comparative numerical simulations are conducted to model the thermal behavior of hydrogen flames using the software package Ansys®. The simulations will on one hand support the experimental approach by reducing the number of experiments necessary to get an overview of the measuring range and on the other hand will in future work support the design and construction of the burner frame. The simulations make it possible to analyze further parameters such as thermal radiation, flame geometry and flame temperature, which are not possible with experimental measurement techniques. The aim of the numerical analyses in this work is to evaluate the interaction and behavior of multiple hydrogen flames in varying distances.

This study provides valuable insights into the potential of hydrogen as an energy source for thermal testing in the context of transport packages for radioactive material. The findings not only contribute to the ongoing efforts of BAM to sustain its ability to conduct thermal testing in the future but also shed light on the broader applications of hydrogen as a clean energy source in fire safety engineering.

References

[1]   IAEA (2018), Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material.

[2]   B. Droste et. al. (2011), Brand new fire test facilities at ‘BAM Test Site Technical Safety’

[3]   M. Naster et. al. (2024) Experimental and Numerical Analyses for the Evaluation of hydrogen as an energy source for thermal testing of transport packages of radioactive material

[4]   M. Feldkamp et. al. (2020) Outcomes of Three Large Scale Fire Reference Tests Conducted in BAM Fire Test Facilit

Presenting Author: Maximilian Naster Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)

Presenting Author Biography: Maximilian Naster previously studied Engineering Science at the Technische Universität Berlin and is now working as a PhD student at the Division for the Safety of Transport Containers at BAM and the Leipniz Universität Hannover.

Authors:

Maximilian Naster Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)
Tobias Gleim Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)
Frank Wille Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)