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U.S. Department of Energy
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RESEARCH ON THE HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LARGE SCALE PRODUCTION AND HANDLING OF LIQUID HYDROGEN. Quarterly Progress Report for January 1-March 31, 1959

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4186330

The effects of spilling liquid hydrogen on a macadam surface (7.4 1) at 39 deg F and on a gravel surface (7.7 1) at 66 deg F were investigated relative to size of visible cloud formed and rate of cloud expansion and rise. The cloud size, the rate of increase in size, and rate of rise was greater for the gravel surface. The results are given of an experiment in which liquid hydrogen (7.8 1) was spilled on a gravel sunface at 65 deg F and ignited 20 in. above the spill area. Portions of the cloud were observed to detach from the main flame. A burning rate of 0.9 cm/min was experimentally determined for a 6-in. diameter dewar filled to an 11-in. depth with liquid hydrogen, which corresponded to a total heat input rate to the liquid of 86 watts. From experiments on burning and vaporization rates, it was concluded that the measured burning rate was determined primarily by heat leakage that was independent of the presence of the flame. A differential thermocouple was devised for determining the amount of name radiation falling on the surface of a burning liquid fuel. Measurements of the radiation of methanol names were conducted with the probe at various positions in glass and metal containers. (For preceding period see NP-8322.) (C.J.G.)

Research Organization:
Bureau of Mines. Div. of Explosives Technology, Pittsburgh
NSA Number:
NSA-14-007643
OSTI ID:
4186330
Report Number(s):
NP-8323
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English