Hazards associated with syngas storage

Abstract

Energy needs of many countries are largely covered by energy obtained from fossil fuels. This in turn involves environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The growing environmental awareness and the need to prevent climate changes mean that clean energy and alternative energy sources are still a significant research issue. One of the most important technologies for efficient and low-carbon energy generation is the gasification process and synthesis gas production. Worldwide, there are now more than 270 such installations. More installations are under construction. Syngas is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Depending on the feedstock, it can also contain smaller amounts of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen. The gasification process consists of four stages: syngas production, storage, transport and utilization, e.g. as fuel. Because syngas is mainly composed of flammable and toxic gases, in the event of an uncontrolled release into the atmosphere these processes may pose a potential hazard to humans and the environment. The paper presents the results of analyses related to hazards resulting from an uncontrolled release of gas at the stage of the gas storage, before it is transported or finally used. Hazard scenarios are presented and the probability of their occurrence as well as the consequences for humans and the environment are determined.