Explosion Control Measures Crucial for Utility Tunnels in Urban Areas

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by the China University of Mining and Technology has highlighted the urgent need for explosion control measures and optimization strategies in utility tunnels to prevent accidents. With funding from the National Key R & D Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF, the study explored the control efficiency of explosion severity of hydrogen-blended natural gas (HBNG) under combined explosion control measures. The findings suggest that the control effect on explosive energy is ranked as central vent energy-absorbing materials, end vent cavity, with spray being highly effective in extinguishing flames but having a relatively poor suppression effect on overpressure.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research emphasizes the need for explosion control measures in utility tunnels to prevent accidents and ensure energy supply security in urban areas.
  • The control effect on explosive energy is ranked as central vent energy-absorbing materials, end vent cavity, with spray being highly effective in extinguishing flames but having a relatively poor suppression effect on overpressure.
  • The combination of vent, cavity, and energy-absorbing material is the optimal strategy for controlling explosion propagation in utility tunnels.
  • Energy-absorbing materials and spray are effective in extinguishing flames under closed tunnel conditions, while energy-absorbing materials and cavity hinder flame propagation under the action of suction.
  • The study provides theoretical support for ensuring energy supply security in urban utility tunnels.
  • Funders for the research include National Key R & D Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF.
  • Additional authors for the research include Jiaojiao Cao and Tong Xu.
  • The study has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Loss Prevention In the Process Industries.

Statistics:

  • 97: Volume number of the Journal of Loss Prevention In the Process Industries where the study was published.
  • 2025: Year of publication of the Journal of Loss Prevention In the Process Industries where the study was published.
  • 666: Page number of Energy Weekly News where the study was reported.

Sources:

  • Experimental Study On Hydrogen-blended Natural Gas Explosion In Utility Tunnels: Explosion Control and Optimization Strategy. Journal of Loss Prevention In the Process Industries, 2025; 97.
  • China University of Mining and Technology. Journal of Loss Prevention In the Process Industries can be contacted at: Elsevier Sci Ltd, 125 London Wall, London, England.
  • Elsevier - www.elsevier.com
  • Journal of Loss Prevention In the Process Industries - www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-loss-prevention-in-the-process-industries/
  • Jiaojiao Cao and Tong Xu. China University of Mining and Technology.