As hydrogen begins to play an increasingly prominent role in our energy infrastructure, codes and standards will be developed to ensure its safe production, storage, handling, and use. Additional research is necessary to provide a scientific basis for defining credible safety scenarios and sound technical basis for these codes and standards.

Sandia's research on hydrogen jet flames may contribute to the development of codes and standards for separation distances between hydrogen storage vessels and other flammable materials and public spaces.

Hydrogen is significantly different from today's commonly used fuels. For example, hydrogen tends to embrittle metals and other containment materials. It can leak rapidly from tiny openings, and its combustion behavior differs from other fuels. Its large-scale use requires a better understanding of such behaviors.

Recent Sandia research has been directed at studying the characteristics of hydrogen jet flames to learn more about their shape and heat radiation. Such experiments will help researchers and policymakers develop science-based codes and standards for separation distances between hydrogen storage areas and public spaces.

Sandia National Laboratories is applying its technical expertise and experience in handling hydrogen in a wide variety of applications to several hydrogen safety efforts:

• Sandia is partnering with Los Alamos National Laboratory, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to provide scientific support for the development of codes and standards and to promote safety for the hydrogen infrastructure
• Sandia participates in an international effort to develop codes and standards for hydrogen use in the public sector
• Sandia supports the National Hydrogen Association in its codes and standards efforts

Contact: Chris Moen
cmoen@sandia.gov
(925) 294-3709