Effect of superfine KHCO3 and ABC powder on ignition sensitivity of PMMA dust layer

In order to evaluate the flame-retardant capacity of KHCO₃ and ABC on the ignition of PMMA dust layer accumulation on hot surfaces, the ignition time and critical heating temperature of PMMA/KHCO₃ and PMMA/ABC dust layer were experimentally investigated. The thermal stability of the mixed dust, the condensed phase products and gas phase products of the mixed dust combustion were analyzed to reveal the flame-retardant mechanism. The ignition time of 30 μm PMMA was obviously longer than that of 5 μm PMMA, and the critical heating temperature was close to that of 5 μm PMMA. KHCO₃ and ABC could greatly extend the ignition time of the PMMA dust layer and increase the critical heating temperature of the dust layer. ABC was more effective than KHCO₃. The decomposition of KHCO₃ and ABC absorbed the heat and inhibits the pyrolysis of PMMA. The HPO₃ and P₂O₅ generated by the decomposition of ABC would cover the surface of PMMA aggregates or particles and act as a physical barrier. The main light combustible gas produced by PMMA pyrolysis were CO and C₂H₄. The CO₂ generated during the decomposition of KHCO₃ could dilute the combustible gas in the ambient to inhibit the combustion of PMMA.     

Minimum Ignition Temperature of layer and cloud dust mixtures

The prevention of dust explosions is still a challenge for the process industry. Ignition, in particular, is a phenomenon that is still not completely understood. As a consequence, safety conditions pertaining to ignition suppression are rarely identified to an adequate level. It is well known that, in general, the ignition attitude of a dust depends on several factors, such as the nature of the chemical, the particle size, moisture content, etc., but there is still a lack of knowledge on the effect of the single variables.This paper has the aim of providing data on the Minimum Ignition Temperatures of dust mixtures obtained from a mixing of a combustible dust (flour, lactose, sucrose, sulphur) and an inert dust (limestone, extinguishing powders) as well as from the mixing of two different combustible dusts. Various mixtures with different weight ratios have been tested in a Godbert Greenwald (GG) furnace and on a hot plate in order to measure the effect of mixture composition on the Minimum Ignition Temperature (MIT_L) of the layer and on the Minimum Ignition Temperature (MIT_C) of the cloud. In order to further verify the effects of inert dust particle size, inerts sieved to different size ranges have been tested separately. Generally, both MIT_L and MIT_C increase as the inert content is increased. MIT_C is poorly affected by inert particle size when limestone is used. The MIT_L of pure flour is higher than the MIT_L of mixtures containing up to 40% of 32–75 μm of limestone. This was probably due to the behaviour of pure flour during the test, which demonstrated strong tendency to produce char, cracks in the layer and detachment from the hot plate.     

Analysis of the chosen thermal and flammability parameters of dried sewage dust

The hazardous sludge disposal process in the form of landfills requires the determination inter alia of the flammable and explosion properties of dried sewage sludge dust, which has the ability to ignite and spontaneously combust when stored in silos. At a constant furnace surface temperature, the minimum ignition temperature of the sludge dust layer with a layer thickness of 5 mm is 270 °C, and for a layer thickness of 12.5 mm it is 250 °C. Two selected fire extinguishing powders for Class A, B, C and D fires were used in the study to determine the possibility of reducing the susceptibility of dried wastewater to ignition from heated surface, self-ignition and explosion parameters. The most effective extinguishing powder was ABC Favorit, which increased the value of the minimum ignition temperature of the layer (5 mm thick) to 360 °C and the spontaneous ignition temperature of the sludge with this powder increased by 22 °C at 169.6 cm³ in comparison to the sludge without extinguishing powder, respectively. The lowest self-ignition temperature of 136 °C was recorded for the largest tested volume (169.6 cm³) for dried sewage dust without any fire extinguishing powders. The biggest values of p_max and (dp/dt)_max dried sewage dust were recorded 4.8 bar and 113 bar/s respectively. By analysing the obtained test results, it can be assumed that dried sewage dust is a combustible material with properties similar to biomass.     

Minimum ignition temperatures and explosion characteristics of micron-sized aluminium powder

To forestall, control, and mitigate the detrimental effects of aluminium dust, a 20-L near-spherical dust explosion experimental system and an HY16429 type dust-cloud ignition temperature test device were employed to explore the explosion characteristics of micron-sized aluminium powder under different ignition energies, dust particle sizes, and dust cloud concentration (C_dust) values; the minimum ignition temperature (MIT) values of aluminium powder under different dust particle sizes and C_dust were also examined. Flame images at different times were photographed by a high-speed camera. Results revealed that under similar dust-cloud concentrations and with dust particle size increasing from 42.89 to 141.70 μm, the MIT of aluminium powder increased. Under various C_dust values, the MIT of aluminium dust clouds attained peak value when concentrations enhanced. Furthermore, the increase of ignition energy contributed to the increase of the explosion pressure (P_ex) and the rate of explosion pressure rise [(dP/dt)_ex]. When dust particle size was augmented gradually, the P_ex and (dP/dt)_ex attenuated. Decreasing particle size lowered both the most violent explosion concentration and explosive limits.     

Smoldering combustion of dust layer on hot surface

The critical temperature as well as the critical flux for ignition of a dust layer of cornflour and a mixture of wheatflour and cornflour (80% wheatflour+20% cornflour) on a hot plate have been determined. The moulded sample was cylindrical in shape and of different heights and diameters. The particle size of dusts ranged between 63 μm to 150 μm. The temperature–time histories for self-heating without ignition and with ignition are offered, showing the critical boundaries between them. Also the times to ignition for each dust, showing the effect of sample size on their values, are determined. Certain experimental correlations which relate to times to ignition, as well as the critical temperature for ignition and thermal and geometrical dimensions of sample are presented.     

Study on explosion characters of HDPE dust inerted by CaCO3 and NaHCO3

To prevent high density polyethylene (HDPE) dust explosions, this study evaluated HDPE's explosive sensitivity characteristics, and comparatively examined two inert dust types (CaCO₃ and NaHCO₃) to mitigate the explosive sensitivity of HDPE dust. In the serials of experiments, the 1.2 L Hartmann tube and Godbert-Greenwald furnace were used respectively to measure the minimum ignition energy (MIE) and minimum ignition temperature (MIT) of HDPE dust. The findings demonstrated that the MIE and MIT of HDPE are 56.8 mJ and 320 °C under the most sensitive situation. Second, both CaCO₃ and NaHCO₃ can inhibit the explosive sensitivity of HDPE with the variation of several parameters (i.e., quality percentage and particle sizes). Specially, as the quality percentage of 38–48 μm NaHCO₃ come to 70%, the HDPE/NaHCO₃ will not be explosive. Finally, NaHCO₃ had a better inerting effect than CaCO₃ in the reduction of explosive sensitivity of HDPE.     

Inhibiting effect of inhibitors on ignition sensitivity of wood dust

Wood products are easy to produce dust in the production and processing process, and have a serious explosion risk. In order to improve the safety of wood products production, the inhibiting effects of magnesium hydroxide (MTH), SiO₂, melamine polyphosphate (MPP) on the minimum ignition energy (MIE) and minimum ignition temperature (MIT) of wood dust were experimentally studied. The results showed that the inhibiting effects of inhibitors on the MIE of wood dust show the order of MPP > SiO₂>MTH. The order of the inhibiting effects on the MIT of wood dust was MPP > MTH > SiO_2. When 10% MPP was added to wood dust, the time when the flame appears (T_appear) and the time when the flame reaches the top of the glass tube (T_top) obviously rose to 80, 140 ms. Therefore, MPP had the best inhibiting effect on the ignition sensitivity of wood dust.According to thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests, the introduction of MPP leaded to lower maximum mass loss rate (MMLR), higher temperature corresponding to mass loss of 90% (T_0.1), residual mass and heat absorption. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry (TG-IR) results showed that MPP produced H₂O (g) and NH₃ (g) during the thermal decomposition process, which diluted the oxygen.     

Experiment-based investigations of magnesium dust explosion characteristics

An experimental investigation was carried out on magnesium dust explosions. Tests of explosion severity, flammability limit and solid inerting were conducted thanks to the Siwek 20 L vessel and influences of dust concentration, particle size, ignition energy, initial pressure and added inertant were taken into account. That magnesium dust is more of an explosion hazard than coal dust is confirmed and quantified by contrastive investigation. The Chinese procedure GB/T 16425 is overly conservative for LEL determination while EN 14034-3 yields realistic LEL data. It is also suggested that 2000-5000 J is the most appropriate ignition energy to use in the LEL determination of magnesium dusts, using the 20 L vessel. It is essential to point out that the overdriving phenomenon usually occurs for carbonaceous and less volatile metal materials is not notable for magnesium dusts. Trends of faster burning velocity and more efficient and adiabatic flame propagation are associated with fuel-rich dust clouds, smaller particles and hyperbaric conditions. Moreover, Inerting effectiveness of CaCO₃ appears to be higher than KCl values on thermodynamics, whereas KCl represents higher effectiveness upon kinetics. Finer inertant shows better inerting effectiveness.     

Experimental investigation on explosion flame propagation of wood dust in a semi-closed tube

In order to explore flame propagation characteristics during wood dust explosions in a semi-closed tube, a high-speed camera, a thermal infrared imaging device and a pressure sensor were used in the study. Poplar dusts with different particle size distributions (0–50, 50–96 and 96–180 μm) were respectively placed in a Hartmann tube to mimic dust cloud explosions, and flame propagation behaviors such as flame propagation velocity, flame temperature and explosion pressure were detected and analyzed. According to the changes of flame shapes, flame propagations in wood dust explosions were divided into three stages including ignition, vertical propagation and free diffusion. Flame propagations for the two smaller particles were dominated by homogeneous combustion, while flame propagation for the largest particles was controlled by heterogeneous combustion, which had been confirmed by individual Damköhler number. All flame propagation velocities for different groups of wood particles in dust explosions were increased at first and then decreased with the augmentation of mass concentration. Flame temperatures and explosion pressures were almost similarly changed. Dust explosions in 50–96 μm wood particles were more intense than in the other two particles, of which the most severe explosion appeared at a mass concentration of 750 g/m³. Meanwhile, flame propagation velocity, flame propagation temperature and explosion pressure reached to the maximum values of 10.45 m/s, 1373 °C and 0.41 MPa. In addition, sensitive concentrations corresponding to the three groups of particles from small to large were 500, 750 and 1000 g/m³, separately, indicating that sensitive concentration in dust explosions of wood particles was elevated with the increase of particle size. Taken together, the finding demonstrated that particle size and mass concentration of wood dusts affected the occurrence and severity of dust explosions, which could provide guidance and reference for the identification, assessment and industrial safety management of wood dust explosions.     

Explosion characteristics of micron- and nano-size magnesium powders

Explosion characteristics of micron- and nano-size magnesium powders were determined using CSIR-CBRI 20-L Sphere, Hartmann apparatus and Godbert-Greenwald furnace to study influence of particle size reduction to nano-range on these. The explosion parameters investigated are: maximum explosion pressure (P_max), maximum rate of pressure-rise (dP/dt)_max, dust explosibility index (K_St), minimum explosible concentration (MEC), minimum ignition energy (MIE), minimum ignition temperature (MIT), limiting oxygen concentration (LOC) and effect of reduced oxygen level on explosion severity. Magnesium particle sizes are: 125, 74, 38, 22, 10 and 1 μm; and 400, 200, 150, 100, 50 and 30 nm. Experimental results indicate significant increase in explosion severity (P_max: 7–14 bar, K_St: 98–510 bar·m/s) as particle size decreases from 125 to 1 μm, it is maximum for 400 nm (P_max: 14.6 bar, K_St: 528 bar·m/s) and decreases with further decrease of particle size to nano-range 200–30 nm (P_max: 12.4–9.4 bar, K_St: 460–262 bar·m/s) as it is affected by agglomeration of nano-particles. MEC decreases from 160 to 30 g/m³ on decreasing particle size from 125 to 1 μm, its value is 30 g/m³ for 400 and 200 nm and 20 g/m³ for further decrease in nano-range (150–30 nm). MIE reduces from 120 to 2 mJ on decreasing the particle size from 125 to 1 μm, its value is 1 mJ for 400, 200, 150 nm size and <1 mJ for 50 and 30 nm. Minimum ignition temperature is 600 °C for 125 μm magnesium, it varies between 570 and 450 °C for sizes 38–1 μm and 400–350 °C for size range 400–30 nm. Magnesium powders in nano-range (30–200 nm) explode less violently than micron-range powder. However, likelihood of explosion increases significantly for nano-range magnesium. LOC is 5% for magnesium size range 125–38 μm, 4% for 22–1 μm, 3% for 400 nm, 4% for 200, 150 and 100 nm, and 5% for 50 and 30 nm. Reduction in oxygen levels to 9% results in decrease in P_max and K_St by a factor of 2–3 and 4–5, respectively, for micron as well as nano-sizes. The experimental data presented will be useful for industries producing or handling similar size range micron- and nano-magnesium in order to evaluate explosibility of their magnesium powders and propose/design adequate safety measures.     

Preoptimal analysis of phase characteristic indicators in the entire process of coal spontaneous combustion

To accurately predict the development degree of coal spontaneous combustion (CSC), the CSC process was investigated using a programmed high-temperature-heating experimental system, and the variation law of index gas concentration in the holistic process of CSC and oxidation is formulated. Additionally, the accuracy of the experimental system was evaluated using experimental design for thermal analysis, and the correlation between gas index and apparent activation energy was determined using grey correlation analysis. The results indicated the following. In the critical temperature stage (0–100 °C), φ(CO)/φ(CO₂) should serve as the main index and C₂H₄ should serve as the auxiliary index; in the crack-active-speedup temperature stage (100–260 °C), CO and φ(C₂H₄)/φ(C₂H₆) should serve as the main index and R₁, the Graham index, and φ(C₂H₄)/φ(CH₄) should serve as auxiliary indexes; in the speedup-ignition temperature stage (260–370 °C), R₂ and the Graham index should serve as main indexes and φ(CO)/φ(CO₂), C₂H₄, and R₁ should serve as auxiliary indexes; in the ignition temperature (370–500 °C), R₃ should serve as the main index and R₂, the Graham index and C₂H₄ should serve as auxiliary indexes. Among them, the grey correlation degrees among the Graham index, Grignard fire coefficient, and apparent activation energy were the highest, reaching 0.91.     

Inerting effect of CaCO3 powder on flame spread of wood dust layer

The effect of CaCO₃ powder, a typical inert dust, on the flame spread characteristics of wood dust layers was studied using an experimental device to understand the ignition characteristics of and develop inert explosion-proof technology for deposited wood dust. The results showed that the flame spread velocity (FSV) of the mixed dust layer was affected by the dispersion effect of CaCO₃ powder and physical heat absorption. As the CaCO₃ powder mass fraction increased, the FSV of the dust layer first increased and then decreased, reaching a peak at a 50% mass fraction. Moreover, the front-end temperature of the flame gradually decreased, and the red spark faded. The combustion reaction of the mixed dust layer could be more completed, and the colour of the combustion residue changed from charcoal black to charcoal grey. The coupling effect of the initial temperature and wind speed can promote an increase in the FSV in the mixed dust layer. The Gauss–Amp model of the FSV of the wood dust layer and mass fraction of CaCO₃ powder showed that the peak of the FSV occurred when the mass fraction of CaCO₃ powder was between 40 and 50%. Thus, a good inerting and explosion-proof effect can be achieved by using CaCO₃ powder with a mass fraction of more than 50%; it can improve the whole inerting process. Inert explosion-proof technology should be considered when assessing fire and explosion risk of dust in real process industry situations.     

Observations of microscopic characteristics of post-explosion coal dust samples

To reveal the microscopic characteristics of the post-explosion coal dust samples, coal dust explosion tests were performed in a 20 L spherical vessel. The explosion characteristic parameters, such as the maximum pressure (P_max), the maximum rate of pressure rise ((dP/dt)_max), ignition time (t) and the deflagration index (K_St) were recorded. Meanwhile, the post-explosion dust samples were collected and analyzed. The research efforts include particle size distribution analysis, SEM analysis and FTIR analysis of dust samples before and after the explosion. The particle size range of post-explosion dust samples became wider according to the mass percent analysis. The microscopic appearance of samples in same particle size range showed some similarity. The porous structure of dust samples was observed by improving the SEM magnification. The chemical structure of dust samples before and after explosion was analyzed by FTIR.     

Flame propagation behaviors of nano- and micro-scale PMMA dust explosions

Flame propagation behaviors of nano- and micro-polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) dust explosions were experimentally studied in the open-space dust explosion apparatus. High-speed photography with normal and microscopic lenses were used to record the particle combustion behaviors and flame microstructures. Simple physical models were developed to explore the flame propagation mechanisms. High-speed photographs showed two distinct flame propagation behaviors of nano- and micro-PMMA dust explosions. For nano-particles, flame was characterized by a regular spherical shape and spatially continuous combustion structure combined with a number of luminous spot flames. The flame propagation mechanism was similar to that of a premixed gas flame coupled with solid surface combustion of the agglomerates. In comparison, for micro-particles, flame was characterized by clusters of flames and the irregular flame front, which was inferred to be composed of the diffusion flame accompanying the local premixed flame. It was indicated that smaller particles maintained the leading part of the propagating flame and governed the combustion process of PMMA dust clouds. Increasing the mass densities from 105 g/m³ to 217 g/m³ for 100 nm PMMA particles, and from 72 g/m³ to 170 g/m³ for 30 μm PMMA particles, the flame luminous intensity, scale and the average propagation velocity were enhanced. Besides, the flame front became more irregular for 30 μm PMMA dust clouds.     

Coloured powder potential dust explosions

The use of Coloured powder (Holi powder orcolour dust) has been largely used in India for their festivities. Due to their popularity is extensive around the world since the popularity of the parties and events with this kind of show is increasing considerably. Despite the fact of its extensive use, its highly flammable nature is poorly known. Currently, some serious accidents related to the Coloured powder have been registered. Coloured powder organic nature implies a significant increase in the probability to form an explosive atmosphere as their use includes dust dispersion, leading to explosion hazards as has been previously reported. Moreover, it is important to take into account the effects on the flammability of the additives and the colorings existing in the Coloured powder as they might increase the hazard. To properly understand Coloured powder potential for producing an explosive atmosphere, and the attached risk of dust explosions, several samples were tested. Coloured powder from 6 different manufacturers were gathered. Each manufacturer provided several colours (between 5 and 8) which were characterized through moisture content and particle size determination. Once each sample was characterized, screening tests were performed on each sample determining whether ignition was produced or not. Those screening tests were carried out under certain conditions using the equipment for minimum ignition temperature on cloud determination (0.5 g set at 500 °C and 0.5 bar), and minimum ignition energy determination (using 100 and 300 mJ energies and 900 and 1200 mg). From those test results, important differences were seen between manufacturers, but most important, differences between colours of the same manufacturer were observed. The screening tests allowed the selection of 11 samples that were fully characterized through thermogravimetric analysis, maximum pressure of explosion, K_st, minimum ignition temperature on cloud, and minimum ignition energy. When carrying out thermogravimetric analysis, some samples increased mass at temperatures close to 300 °C and unexpectedly absorbed energy, followed by the expected combustion reaction at higher temperatures. From the obtained results it was noticed that the colour powders that included talcum in its composition did not produce explosion. Flammability and explosion tests, again, showed important differences between manufacturers and colours, and so it was possible to determine the relative flash fire and explosion risks of the various tested powders.     

Ignition of a dust layer by a constant heat flux

In real conditions, the surface temperature of an equipment enclosure covered with a combustible dust layer can significantly rise due to insulating properties of the dust layer. To assess this effect, the measurements of minimum ignition temperature of dust layer at constant temperature of the heated plate t_{t min} (standard method) and the same ignition temperature at constant rate of heat generation t_{h min} for two coal dusts were made. Dust layers of thickness between 5 and 50 mm were tested. For each dust, t_{t min} was higher than t_{h min} for every tested thickness of the layer. The difference was biggest for thin layers and decreased with increase of the layer thickness. The results suggest a deficiency of the standard procedure of measuring minimum ignition temperature of a dust layer.     

Minimum ignition energies of pure magnesium powders due to electrostatic discharges and nitrogen's effect

This paper experimentally investigated the relation between the minimum ignition energy (MIE) of magnesium powders as well as the effect of inert nitrogen (N₂) on the MIE. The modified Hartmann vertical-tube apparatus and four kinds of different-sized pure magnesium powders (median particle size, D50; 28.1 μm–89.8 μm) were used in this study. The MIE of the most sensitive magnesium powder was 4 mJ, which was affected by the powder particle size (D50; 28.1 μm). The MIE of magnesium powder increased with an increase in the N₂ concentration for the inerting technique. The magnesium dust explosion with an electrostatic discharge of 1000 mJ was suppressed completely at an N₂ concentration range of more than 98%. The experimental data presented in this paper will be useful for preventing magnesium dust explosions generated from electrostatic discharges.     

Experimental study on ignitability of pure aluminum powders due to electrostatic discharges and Nitrogen's effect

In order to prevent dust explosions due to electrostatic discharges (ESD), this paper reports the minimum ignition energy (MIE) of aluminum powders in the air and the effective nitrogen (N₂) concentration for the inert technique. The Hartman vertical-tube apparatus and five kinds of different sized pure aluminum powders (median particle size, D50; 8.53 μm–51.2 μm) were used in this study. The statistic minimum ignition energy (MIE_s) of the most sensitive aluminum powder used in this study was 5 mJ, which was affected by the powder particle size (D50; 8.53 μm). In the case of aluminum powder, the inerting effects of N₂ were quite different from the polymer powders. The MIE of aluminum powder barely changed until the N₂ concentration was 89% in comparison with that of the normal air. When the N₂ concentration was 90%, the MIE of aluminum powders suddenly exceeded 1000 mJ, which does not occur easily with ESD in the industrial process.     

Effect of ignition delay on explosion parameters of corn dust/air in confined chamber

This paper presents the explosion parameters of corn dust/air mixtures in confined chamber. The measurements were conducted in a setup which comprises a 5 L explosion chamber, a dust dispersion sub-system, and a transient pressure measurement sub-system. The influences of the ignition delay on the pressure and the rate of pressure rise for the dust/air explosion have been discussed based on the experimental data. It is found that at the lower concentrations, the explosion pressure and the rate of pressure rise of corn dust/air mixtures decrease as the ignition delay increases from 60 ms; But at the higher concentrations, the explosion pressure and the rate of pressure rise increase slightly as the ignition delay increases from 60 ms to 80 ms, and decrease beyond 80 ms. The maximum explosion pressure of corn dust/air mixtures reaches its highest value equal to 0.79 MPa at the concentration of 1000 gm⁻³.     

Effect of pressure for dust dispersion on minimum ignition temperature

The existing technical standards for determining the minimum ignition temperature (MIT) of dust clouds are inadequate. According to existing technical standards, this study expands the test pressure conditions. The MIT of dust clouds can be determined by a variety of different dispersion pressures, that is, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.1 MPa. But, whether the MIT of dust clouds tested under different dispersion pressures is consistent is lacking in the corresponding exploration. In this study, a set of measurement system of instantaneous concentration and particle size was established, which can observe the flow of dust clouds and the distribution of the instantaneous particle size and concentration of dust clouds in the heating furnace tube. On this basis, the MIT of dust clouds is determined, and the physical mechanism of dispersion pressure affecting the MIT of dust clouds is revealed. The results show that the MIT of dust clouds is consistent when the dispersion pressure in the range of 0.02–0.06 MPa. When the dispersion pressure is not in this range, the MIT of the dust clouds is very different due to the obvious increase of the instantaneous particle size of the dust clouds.