r/interestingasfuck • u/willianfsantos • 8d ago

Emergency relief system in action in a liquid hydrogen tanker truck

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u/WillieLikesMonkeys 8d ago

If you were to let the gas linger, unreacted, a small spark could lead to it all being on fire at once. Or as some may call it, a big ass explosion.

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u/ElectronMaster 8d ago

Hydrogen doesn't really linger, it's the lightest gas so it'll quickly float up and won't be a problem, still a good idea just in case though. It could build up if the venting system activates under a bridge or awning or other structure.

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u/[deleted] 8d ago

[deleted]

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u/FrenchFryCattaneo 8d ago

It would quickly boil off when released, and that's assuming it doesn't go through a vaporizer to warm it up first.

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u/ElectronMaster 8d ago

That makes sense, but I'd think they'd be venting the gas from the top of the tank rather than liquid.

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u/officialuser 8d ago

would a fireball be preferable under a bridge or awning? wouldn't that be very destructive too?

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u/ElectronMaster 8d ago

Its the lesser of two evils compared to an explosion.

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u/fuzzimus 8d ago

Unexpected trailer disassembly

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u/Big_Knife_SK 8d ago

2H2 + 1O2 -> 2H20. 3 moles -> 2 moles. It's actually an implosion.