Process Safety in electrolytic green hydrogen production

Abstract

The article objective is to analyze the electrolytic process of green hydrogen production from process safety and process safety management (PSM) points of views. The green hydrogen through water electrolysis production of is emerging as one of the main and best alternatives to replace the use of fossil fuels and thus mitigate environmental pollution and its consequences to the planet. For this purpose, the principles of the electrolysis process were established, as well as the different ways to carry it out, among which are: Alkaline electrolysis (AE); Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis and High-Temperature electrolysis (HTE). Its associated hazards and risks were mentioned, and the Dow Fire and Explosion Index (F&EI) was calculated for the three electrolysis methods, obtaining similar results with each other. In addition, the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering (CSChE) PSM standard and the main international standards must be applied to electrolytic hydrogen production systems, such as: ISO 31000:2018 ; ISO 15916:2015 and ISO 22734:2019, was observed. Like other fuels, hydrogen processes production must be managed with preventive measures avoid events may have negative consequences to people, structures, and surrounding environment.

Keywords: Green hydrogen, Water electrolysis, Process safety, Process safety management, Hydrogen safety

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1001634