Hydrogen Sulfide Dispersion Consequences Analysis in Different Wind Speeds: A CFD Based Approach

Hydrogen sulfide (h₂s) leakage and dispersion from a sulfide recycle installation in different wind speeds are simulated by implementing a 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model. h₂s concentrations of monitor points which represent dispersion contours and dangerous areas have been recorded. Dispersion disciplines and consequences in different wind speeds have been compared. The toxic load has also been introduced as a parameter to compare the consequences. Toxic loads of monitoring points have been assessed according to the concentration variation. Case study results indicate that in a relatively bigger wind speed situation, gas disperses quickly in the leakage jet flow direction, and there is less threat in the direction perpendicular to the leakage jet flow; in a relatively smaller wind speed situation, gas disperses slowly in the leakage jet flow direction and there is more threat in the direction perpendicular to the leakage jet flow. In places near to the leakage source, the concentration of h₂s is high and goes up quickly which leaves exposed individuals little available emergency response time. Study results also demonstrate that serious consequences could happen in the potential toxic leakage places. Toxic gas detection system and emergency response plans are especially important.