Hydrogen systems, due to their nature and complexity, require extremely stringent and well-designed fire safety measures. The management of hydrogen fire-fighting systems cannot be separated from an integrated approach, which takes into account the applicable regulations, the chemical and physical characteristics of hydrogen, and the specific operating conditions.
At the regulatory level, in addition to the standards CEI EN IEC 60079-10-1:2021 and CEI EN 60079-102:2016, which define the classification of explosion risk zones, there are two main reference laws regarding fire prevention in the hydrogen world:
- DM 07/07/2023 – Technical regulation of fire prevention for the identification of methodologies for risk analysis and fire safety measures to be adopted for the design, construction and operation of hydrogen production plants by electrolysis and related storage systems.
- DM 23/10/2018: Fire prevention technical rule for the design, construction and operation of hydrogen distribution plants for automotive use.
To prevent and manage fires, there are different types of protections available and a number of effective strategies to put in place. Let us analyse them in more detail.
Types of fire protection systems for hydrogen systems
Active fire protection in hydrogen systems is based on the integration of several systems, each with a specific purpose:
- The deluge system does not aim to directly extinguish the fire inside the storage room but to contain the temperature rise that, in the long run, could lead to the structural failure of one or more tanks and generate fire spread;
- The hydrant network ensures the immediate availability of water for firefighting by rescue workers;
- The pumping system, installed in a separate, secure room, supplies the deluge systems and the hydrant network with adequate pressure and flow rate;
- The water storage system consists of a tank sized appropriately to guarantee minimum water requirements for a predetermined time and is essential in the event of an emergency.
Fire protection strategies for hydrogen systems
The design of fire protection systems for hydrogen plants follows the guidelines of the Ministerial Decree of 3 August 2015, known as the Fire Prevention Code. This approach involves the adoption of several articulated and coordinated fire protection strategies:
- Reaction to fire
- Reaction to fire
- Compartmentalisation
- Exodus
- Fire control
- Detection and alarm
- Smoke and heat control
- Fire-fighting operations
- GSA-Fire safety management
Simplifhy’s role in hydrogen fire protection
We at Simplifhy see ourselves as an expert partner in the design and implementation of safe and efficient systems. In the projects we have developed, including those for Hydrogen Valley, industrial plants and vehicle filling stations, we have integrated tailor-made fire protection systems in compliance with the latest standards (DM 07/07/2023, DM 23/10/2018, CEI EN IEC 60079-10-1:2021 and CEI EN 60079-102:2016).
In addition to the technical design, we provide comprehensive support for the implementation of the fire protection system: from the classification of hazardous areas (ATEX zones) to the implementation of active and passive protection systems, through to consultancy for tenders and operational safety management. The cross-functional expertise we have acquired in the field enables us to offer reliable solutions to tackle every hydrogen-related challenge proactively and safely.
Contact us for customised advice on your hydrogen plant’s fire protection system!
