CFD Based Optimization of Ventilation System in Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) Process By Hydrogen Leak Scenario

This research aims to enhance the safety of the steam methane reforming (SMR) process by analyzing potential hydrogen leakage scenarios and optimizing the ventilation system. Given hydrogen's low explosive limit (LEL), any leakage poses a significant risk of accidents. Therefore, the ventilation system has been designed to maintain hydrogen levels below 1% by volume as a precaution. We employ Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to analyze the dispersion of hydrogen concentrations within the actual SMR process layout. The simulations apply the Realizable k-ε turbulence model. We considered a scenario where leaked hydrogen diffuses within the facility and then disperses outdoors through the ventilation system. The study found that placing outlets at the top of the system provided the best ventilation performance, as hydrogen naturally diffuses upward. Ventilation efficiency improved by over 40% compared to the least effective configuration when both the outlet and air intake were positioned on the same wall and at the top. This improvement was attributed to enhanced overall airflow circulation within the facility. These findings offer practical guidelines for designing ventilation systems in SMR facilities to enhance safety.