The division researches and develops solutions for the safe handling of energy carriers, in particular hydrogen and its derivatives, in the context of process and plant safety. This involves a holistic assessment of the safe operation of hydrogen plants and plants using these energy carriers. Particular focus is placed on the topics of explosion protection and impact assessments in the event of the release of substances and energy. Combining experimental results (laboratory and real scale) with validated models, plant safety concepts are reviewed and further developed, and impact assessments are carried out in complex scenarios in plants and systems so that undesirable events can be avoided, or their consequences limited. In addition to classic safety scenarios, security aspects are also considered that go beyond the context of process and plant safety.
Another topic is the safety of oxygen systems. Oxygen is not an energy carrier, but in the context of hydrogen production in particular, it must now be used safely in new areas beyond the classic applications. The basic requirement is the suitability of the materials and valves used under the operating conditions.
