Conference Papers
Hydrogen is a key energy carrier for modern society. The breaking of the hydrogen bonds within traditional hydrocarbon molecules has been the primary mode of energy utilization since the industrial revolution. An increased focus on “net-zero” greenhouse gas emissions, specifically carbon dioxide and methane, has resulted in a global push for lower carbon energy vectors, including pure hydrogen. Accurately modeling the dispersion, fire and explosion hazards associated with new and existing hydrogen production, distribution and transportation networks, and consumption is a key component to the safe expansion of these networks.
Mr. Malik is a member of BakerRisk’s Blast Effects Group. Mr. Malik’s work focuses on the development and application of empirical, analytical, and numerical models for the characterization of flammability and explosion phenomena, supporting BakerRisk’s efforts to help our clients better understand their onsite hazards. Mr. Malik is also responsible for the coordination and oversight of all BakerRisk testing operations. This includes the materials laboratory at the corporate headquarters in San Antonio, the 160-acre Wilfred E Baker Test Facility (WEBTF), and the 2300-acre Box Canyon Test Facility (BCTF). As a certified fire and explosion investigator (CFEI). Mr. Malik supports and/or leads the investigation into accidental industrial fires and explosions as well as other near-miss incidents related.
Mr. Lowry is a member of BakerRisk’s Blast Effects Group. His work is focused on experimental combustion research and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) modeling of explosion phenomena. Mr. Lowry has 15 years of experience in experimental research of hydrocarbon combustion, particularly LBV (Laminar Burning Velocity) measurements of fuel-air-inert systems. Analytical efforts focus on explosion protection using simplified and CFD approaches, as well as modeling flammability and explosion phenomena in support of commercial projects and litigation.
As the biofuels industry continues to expand in support of global decarbonization mandates and objectives, facility owners and developers are being challenged to balance production efficiency, operational reliability, and personnel safety.
As high hazard facilities, biofuels sites should focus on developing a fire protections strategy informed by performance-based analysis so strategies implemented meet the unique challenges found at each facility.