Research project IGNITION

IGNITION: Thermo-fluid dynamic studies on rapid compression of oxygen gas in piping systems

The project at a glance

  • Start date:
    01 Sep 2019
  • Duration in months:
    36
  • Funding:
    FNR, Rotarex S.A
  • Principal Investigator(s):
    Stephan LEYER

91¶ÌÊÓƵ

The project idea is to investigate, assess, and understand enriched high-pressure oxygen (EHPO) flows and their associated thermo-fluid dynamics (TFD) in valves and pressure regulators (PR) installed in industrial piping. The PR reduces EHPO’s pressure to be used in welding, cutting, heating, healthcare, and other applications. A Quick Opening Valve (QOV) typically controls the oxygen flow from high pressure (HP) to low pressure (LP) side. Upon opening the SOV, EHPO flows and gets adiabatically compressed at the LP end, producing a rapid pressure-temperature (P-T) surge. This, combined with the properties of EHPO (e.g. high oxidizing ability) and PR and piping components (e.g. low ignition threshold in EHPO atmosphere) has caused many ignition events throughout the field. Compressed oxygen flow after the SOV opening is turbulent and produces shock waves traveling at supersonic speeds resulting in a wide range of flow phenomena that have not yet been subjected to rigorous scientific investigations. The project aims to experimentally investigate EHPO flow and its TFD phenomena in a PR-piping prototype. In a cooperation project with Rotarex S.A. and FNR an oxygen test facility equipped with advanced sensors will be built for this purpose during the project at the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ (UL). Upon completion, initial tests will be performed using inert gases (e.g. Nitrogen) to assess the working of the facility and to calibrate the sensors followed by EHPO experiments. Studies to assess the effect of inlet pressure, QOV opening speed, and the impact of piping parameters on the flow behavior will be performed. Experimental data will be analyzed to understand the flow phenomena induced by the pressure shocks and adiabatic compression.

Organisation and Partners

  • Applied Thermodynamics
  • Department of Engineering
  • Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM)
  • Rotarex

Project team

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