Effect of Congestion on Flow Field of Vented Natural Gas Explosion in a Kitchen

The process of gas explosion venting in a typical Chinese civil kitchen was investigated using computational fluid dynamics technology, focusing on the impact of the scale and cross-sectional characteristics of congestion, such as common furniture and electrical appliances, on the explosion flow-field parameters. An asymmetrical distribution of congestion will cause the uneven combustion of explosion flames in the kitchen. The flame will initially spread on one side of the room and then accelerate toward the surrounding areas, thereby increasing the risk of indoor gas explosion. The typical indoor overpressure change process can be divided into five stages, among which Stage V is found to be related to pseudoclosed combustion. Large-scale congestion has an obstructive effect on the explosion flow field, but it changes under certain conditions, while small-scale congestion only acts as a promoter. The flat congestion cross section helps maintain the stability of the flame structure, whereas the continuous and abrupt change of the congestion cross section can induce strong turbulent combustion. The research results provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of natural gas explosion hazards in civil kitchens from the perspective of congestion scale and cross-sectional mutation.

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