Impact of Hydrogen-Methane Blending on Industrial Flare Stacks: Modeling of Thermal Radiation Levels and Carbon Dioxide Intensity

Abstract

Regulatory changes related to the policy of reducing CO2 emissions from natural gas are leading to an increase in the share of hydrogen in gas transmission and utilization systems. In this context, the impact of the change in composition on thermal radiation zones should be assessed for flaring during startups, scheduled shutdowns, maintenance, and emergency operations. Most existing models are calibrated for hydrocarbon flare gases. This study assesses how the CH4–H2 blends affect thermal radiation zones using a developed solver based on the Brzustowski–Sommer methodology with composition-dependent fraction of heat radiated (F) and range-dependent atmospheric transmissivity. Five blends, 0–50% (v/v) H2, were analyzed for a 90 m stack at wind speeds of 3 and 5 m·s−1. Comparisons were performed at constant molar (standard volumetric) throughput to isolate composition effects. Adding H2 contracted the radiation zones and reduced peak ground loads. Superposition analysis for a multi-flare layout indicated that replacing one 100% (v/v) CH4 flare with a 10% (v/v) H2 blend reduced peak ground radiation. Emission-factor analysis (energy basis) showed reductions of 3.24/3.45% at 10% (v/v) H2 and 7.01/7.44% at 20% (v/v) H2 (LHV/HHV); at 50% (v/v) H2, the decrease reached 22.18/24.32%. Hydrogen blending provides coupled safety and emissions co-benefits, and the developed framework supports screening of flare designs and operating strategies as blends become more prevalent.