How fast will the pressure decrease from a leaking gas tank?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the rate of pressure decrease in a hydrogen gas tank with a volume of 360 m³, experiencing a constant leakage of 1 m³/h at an initial pressure of 0.4 MPa. Using the ideal gas law (PV = nRT), it was determined that the tank contains approximately 59,113 moles of gas at 0.4 MPa and 293K, and 51,724 moles at 0.35 MPa. By approximating the average pressure to 0.375 MPa, the time required to reach 0.35 MPa is calculated to be approximately 50 hours.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the ideal gas law (PV = nRT)
  • Basic knowledge of pressure and volume relationships in gases
  • Familiarity with units of pressure (MPa) and volume (m³)
  • Ability to perform mole calculations in gas systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the ideal gas law in detail, focusing on its applications in real-world scenarios
  • Learn about pressure-volume relationships in gas dynamics
  • Research methods for calculating gas leakage rates and their impact on system pressure
  • Explore safety protocols for handling hydrogen gas in industrial settings
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, plant operators, and safety professionals involved in gas storage and management, particularly those working with hydrogen systems and pressure calculations.

chrisse
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi!

At my plant we have a tank filled with hydrogen gas used for cooling a generator. The tank volume is 360 m^3. We have a constant leakage of 1 m^3/h. The system pressure is about 0,4 MPa. We also have a constant inflow to the system and the ventilation in the room is good so the leakage is normally not a problem. There is a risk however that we might loose the inflow of hydrogen and my question then is at what rate we will loose pressure? For instance how long will it take until we have reached 0,35 MPa?

I'm not sure how to perform this calculation and would really appreciate some help! I guess the ideal gas law would be a good start.

Thanks in advance!
/Christopher
 
Physics news on Phys.org
PV = nRT is the equation that is relevant hear.

At 293K and 0.4 Mpa you have 59113 moles of gas.
At 293K and 0.35 Mpa you have 51724 moles of gas.

The problem here is the pressure inside the cyclinder is changing. So I will make an approximation that the average pressure is 0.375 MPa so this mean 1 m^3 of gas at this presure contains 153 moles of gas.

Therefore (59113 -51724)/153 \approx 50 hours
 

Similar threads

Graduate Air flow through a hole in a submerged pressure tank
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
21K
Undergrad Relationship between the pressure gradient and mass flow of a gas
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
6K
Undergrad How to calculate the mass of gas in a tank?
  • · Replies 109 ·
4
Replies
109
Views
9K
Undergrad Filling a rigid tire from a pressure regulated compressed air line
  • · Replies 67 ·
3
Replies
67
Views
6K
Predicting Remaining Pressure in Compressed Gas Cylinder
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Graduate Use internal pressure to compute work done by an expanding gas?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Graduate Why do tanks get hot when you fill them from higher pressure tanks?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
12K
Graduate What is the true nature of gas pressure and its energy mechanics?
  • · Replies 45 ·
2
Replies
45
Views
5K
Undergrad Ideal gas law combined with vapor pressure
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
Installing Chemical Storage Tank: Pressure of Liquid or Gas?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K