Optimization of sensor position on different surfaces using CFD analysis for reducing accidents caused by emission of toxic gas in industries

This paper aims to locate an optimal sensor position using computational fluid dynamic analysis to reduce accidents due to emission of toxic gas in industries. The commercial CFD softwares Gambit and Fluent are used in creating a realistic environment at low cost to simulate flow on the surface of sensing objects for tracing emission of toxic gas. A three dimensional flow of methyl-iso cyanate (h2cncho) with density ρ=1kg/m³ and coefficient of viscosity μ=1.72e-05 kg/m-s is simulated under steady and unsteady state conditions to study laminar and turbulent flow patterns. Four different surfaces of the sensing objects namely spherical surface, cylindrical surface, cubical surface and prism surface were considered for analysis and the results are compared. Low velocity observed at the upstream and downstream sides of the surface of sensing objects indicates that the toxic plumes are captured effectively by the sensing objects at those points. Hence these points serve as the optimal sensor position. The flow pattern provides an useful insight for the design of the surface of sensing objects in order to sense quickly and effectively to reduce accidents in industries due to emission of toxic gas and also to protect human health from the risk of inhaled toxic materials to a great extent.