Hydrogen Explosion Events and Comparison with Methane

The use of hydrogen as a replacement for natural gas presents all of the hazards we associate with natural gas although the extent of the hazards can be greater for hydrogen; the flammability ranges in air for hydrogen are 4 % to 75 % by volume, high pressure releases of hydrogen can auto-ignite and hydrogen explosions can be more severe as hydrogen is more prone to detonation.

This paper provides background and insight into the potential for the ignition of a hydrogen in air mixture to reach detonation in comparison with methane, and the impact that can have on structures.