Numerical study on suppressing JetA1-air detonations using CO2 and H2O

The rapid advancements in civil and military aviation will lead to an increased usage of energy-dense jet fuels. For effective usage of these aviation fuels like JetA1, the storage is carried out in Bulk Petroleum Installations (BPI), with an average capacity of 100 million liters or more. The fuel from BPI is distributed to aircraft through refuellers or hydrant systems. The flashpoint of JetA1 is 38°C, which leads to quick fuel vaporization at normal temperatures. Hence, utmost care should be taken to avoid spillage of aviation fuels otherwise it may result in the formation of a vapor cloud. The high flammability of JetA1 could lead to vapor cloud explosion in the presence of a small ignition source which can be extremely destructive than deflagration alone. The present BPIs do not have adequate safety systems to avert such vapor cloud explosions. The present study focuses on suppressing the detonations in JetA1-air vapor cloud explosions using CO2 and H2O as inhibitors or suppressants. The numerical study is carried out using one-dimensional ZND calculations for JetA1 detonations. A detailed reaction kinetics model is used in the present study to address the detonation chemistry of JetA1. The amount of weight of suppressant required for suppressing a given quantity of JetA1-air mixture is calculated and the efficacy of suppressants is evaluated. The various detonation length and time scales like induction and exothermic length and time scales are also calculated to investigate the inhibition efficiency of flame inhibitors.