Risk assessment method of polyethylene dust explosion based on explosion parameters

The explosion characteristic parameters of polyethylene dust were systematically investigated. The variations in the maximum explosion pressure (P_max), explosion index (K_st), minimum ignition energy (MIE), minimum ignition temperature (MIT), and minimum explosion concentration (MEC) of dust samples with different particle sizes were obtained. Using experimental data, a two-dimensional matrix analysis method was applied to classify the dust explosion severity based on P_max and K_st. Then, a three-dimensional matrix was used to categorize the dust explosion sensitivity based on three factors: MIE, MIT, and MEC. Finally, a two-dimensional matrix model of dust explosion risk assessment was established considering the severity and sensitivity. The model was used to evaluate the explosion risk of polyethylene dust samples with different particle sizes. It was found that the risk level of dust explosion increased with decreasing particle size, which was consistent with the actual results. The risk assessment method can provide a scientific basis for dust explosion prevention in the production of polyethylene.     

Nex-Hys: minimum ignition temperature of hybrid mixtures

Although the minimum ignition temperature is an important safety characteristic and of practical relevance in industrial processes, actually only standard operation procedures are available for pure substances and single-phase values. Nevertheless, combinations of substances or mixtures are used in industrial processes and up to now it is not possible to provide a standardised minimum ignition temperature and in consequence to design a process safely with regard to the substances used.In order to get minimum ignition temperatures for frequently used hybrid mixtures, first, the minimum ignition temperatures and ignition frequencies were determined in the modified Godbert-Greenwald furnace for two single phase solids and a liquid substance. Second, minimum ignition temperatures and ignition frequencies were determined for several combinations as hybrid mixture of dust and liquid.In parallel to the determination of ignition temperatures a new camera and computer system to differentiate ignition from non-ignition is developed. First results are promising that such a system could be much less operator depended.By a high number of repetitions to classify regions of ignition the base is laid to decide about a new procedure for a hybrid standard and updating existing ones, too. This is one of the necessary aims to be reached in the Nex-Hys project.A noticeable decrease of minimum ignition temperatures below the MIT of the pure solids was observed for the one hybrid mixture tested, yet. Furthermore more widely dispersed area of ignition is shown. In accordance to previously findings, the results demonstrate a strong relationship between likelihood of explosion and amount of added solvent. In consequence the hybrid mixture is characterized by a lower minimum ignition temperature than the single dust.     

液化石油气点火能试验及爆炸火焰传播分析

为研究液化石油气体积分数与点火能的关系以及爆炸火焰的传播过程,在实验室应用特制的爆炸试验装置,采用调节点火能和液化石油气体积分数的方法,进行一系列爆炸试验,并使用高速摄像机记录爆炸的动态过程。试验结果表明,当液化石油气的试验爆炸体积分数在5%～9%时,其体积分数与点火能之间呈现比较平缓的变化关系,而当其体积分数小于5%或大于9%时,体积分数的稍微变化,其点火能将发生显著的变化。爆炸过程图像分析显示,在爆炸初期,火焰阵面的微分加速起主导作用。随着火焰从点火源位置向四周扩散,光滑的层流火焰开始逐步"湍流化",火焰阵面出现皱折,燃烧面积增加,火焰传播速度逐渐上升直至最大值。在整个过程中,火焰阵面出现非稳定的加速。     

Does your facility have a dust problem: Methods for evaluating dust explosion hazards

The hazards of dust explosions prevailing in plants are dependent on a large variety of factors that include process parameters, such as pressure, temperature and flow characteristics, as well as equipment properties, such as geometry layout, the presence of moving elements, dust explosion characteristics and mitigating measures. A good dust explosion risk assessment is a thorough method involving the identification of all hazards, their probability of occurrence and the severity of potential consequences. The consequences of dust explosions are described as consequences for personnel and equipment, taking into account consequences of both primary and secondary events.While certain standards cover all the basic elements of explosion prevention and protection, systematic risk assessments and area classifications are obligatory in Europe, as required by EU ATEX and Seveso II directives. In the United States, NFPA 654 requires that the design of the fire and explosion safety provisions shall be based on a process hazard analysis of the facility, process, and the associated fire or explosion hazards. In this paper, we will demonstrate how applying such techniques as SCRAM (short-cut risk analysis method) can help identify potentially hazardous conditions and provide valuable assistance in reducing high-risk areas. The likelihood of a dust explosion is based on the ignition probability and the probability of flammable dust clouds arising. While all possible ignition sources are reviewed, the most important ones include open flames, mechanical sparks, hot surfaces, electric equipment, smoldering combustion (self-ignition) and electrostatic sparks and discharges. The probability of dust clouds arising is closely related to both process and dust dispersion properties.Factors determining the consequences of dust explosions include how frequently personnel are present, the equipment strength, implemented consequence-reducing measures and housekeeping, as risk assessment techniques demonstrate the importance of good housekeeping especially due to the enormous consequences of secondary dust explosions (despite their relatively low probability). The ignitibility and explosibility of the potential dust clouds also play a crucial role in determining the overall risk.Classes describe both the likelihood of dust explosions and their consequences, ranging from low probabilities and limited local damage, to high probability of occurrence and catastrophic damage. Acceptance criteria are determined based on the likelihood and consequence of the events. The risk assessment techniques also allow for choosing adequate risk reducing measures: both preventive and protective. Techniques for mitigating identified explosions risks include the following: bursting disks and quenching tubes, explosion suppression systems, explosion isolating systems, inerting techniques and temperature control. Advanced CFD tools (DESC) can be used to not only assess dust explosion hazards, but also provide valuable insight into protective measures, including suppression and venting.     

A test for electrical ignitions of flammable dust clouds

The Atex Directive specifically includes the explosion hazards arising from the presence of flammable dusts. The European standards body CENELEC proposed a research project to develop tests for assessing the ignition hazard due to electrical apparatus used in hazardous dusty environments. This paper describes the work done on developing a test for electrical spark ignitions of explosive dust atmospheres. A prototype apparatus incorporating the dust explosibility vertical tube and the STA break flash apparatus has been developed. Tests using three dusts showed sulphur dust had ignition characteristics close to those of gas Group B, while other dusts were much less easily ignitable than methane. Round robin tests using a duplicate apparatus and the proposed test method produced results very close to those obtained using the original apparatus.     

可燃气体燃爆特性综合试验装置构建与甲烷试验

为研究半开敞空间内可燃气体爆炸过程,设计带有泄压面的气体爆炸室,并在此基础上构建一套可燃气体燃爆特性综合试验装置。运用该试验装置,研究预混塔内甲烷气体分层现象以及甲烷爆炸浓度与最小点火能之间的变化规律。甲烷分层试验结果表明:静置一段时间后,预混塔中甲烷浓度随高度的增加而增大。最小点火能试验结果显示,当甲烷的试验爆炸体积分数在10%～13%时,其浓度与点火能之间呈现比较平缓的变化关系,而当其体积分数小于10%或大于13%时,浓度稍微变化,其点火能将发生明显变化。     

Assessing the influence of real releases on explosions: Selected results from large-scale experiments

The research activities in the project Assessing the Influence of Real Releases on Explosions (AIRRE) included a unique series of large-scale explosion experiments with high-momentum jet releases directed into congested geometries with subsequent ignition. The primary objective for the AIRRE project was to gain improved understanding of the effect that realistic releases and turbulent flow conditions have on the consequences of accidental gas explosions in the petroleum industry. A secondary objective was to develop a methodology that can facilitate safe and optimal design of process facilities. This paper presents selected results from experiments involving ignition of a highly turbulent gas cloud, generated by a large-scale, pressurised release of natural gas. The paper gives an overview of the effect on maximum explosion overpressures of varying the ignition position relative to the release point of the jet and a congested region placed inside the flammable cloud, with either a high or a medium level of congestion. For two of the tests, involving a jet release and the medium congestion rig, the maximum overpressures significantly exceeded those obtained in a quiescent reference test. The paper presents detailed results for selected tests and discusses the effect of the initial flow field generated by realistic releases – including turbulence, net flow and concentration gradients – on relevant explosion phenomena.     

QSPR在混合物典型燃爆特性预测中的研究进展

为全面了解定量结构-性质关系（QSPR）方法在混合物燃爆特性预测中的研究现状,展望其发展趋势,综述其在混合物闪点、爆炸极限与自燃温度预测中的国内外研究进展,分析预测目标参数的选择、数据收集、描述符计算和筛选以及模型建立和验证等方面的不足与研究方向。结果表明:QSPR在混合物燃爆特性预测中尚处于起步阶段,当前研究的首要限制是混合物燃爆特性参数实验数据样本不足,关键点及难点是混合物结构的准确表征,未来研究应关注的重点是大量数据源统一的数据样本的获取方法、非加和性混合物分子描述符的计算方法以及机器学习等非线性建模方法。     

A stochastic approach for risk analysis in vapor cloud explosion

A stochastic approach for evaluating the risk of vapor cloud explosions is proposed in this work. The proposed methodology aims to incorporate the effect of uncertainty into the risk analysis to produce a better overall view for the risk. Some stochastic variables are used to estimate the probability of vapor cloud explosions: frequency of the release, the probability of not having an immediate ignition, the probability of delayed ignition and the probability of a vapor cloud explosion given a delayed ignition, as well as different possible meteorological conditions. These stochastic variables are represented with probability distribution curves. Different curves for the frequencies of releases from process equipment types (steel process pipes, flanges, manual valves, actuated valves, etc.), different equipment diameters and different leak sizes are also used in this analysis. Monte Carlo simulation is performed to obtain the risk as a probability distribution using the Analytic Solver Platform. Then the risk distribution curve obtained by Monte Carlo simulation is used to estimate the probability of satisfying the risk tolerance criterion.     

基于正交实验的面粉爆炸特性研究

为探究面粉爆炸实验中粉尘质量浓度、点火能量、点火延迟时间对面粉爆炸的影响,采用正交实验法并利用20 L球形爆炸测试装置比较研究了粉尘质量浓度、点火延迟时间以及点火能对面粉爆炸的影响程度.结果表明:对最大爆炸压力影响最为显著的因素是点火延迟时间,对最大爆炸指数影响最为显著的因素是粉尘质量浓度;在实验浓度范围内,存在最佳实...     

点火延迟时间对甘薯粉尘爆炸的影响研究

为了预防甘薯粉尘爆炸事故的发生,本文研究点火延迟时间对甘薯粉尘爆炸的影响规律,利用20 L球形爆炸仪研究甘薯粉尘的爆炸特性及其在200 g/m3,500 g/m3和800 g/m3质量浓度下通过改变点火延迟时间的爆炸规律。结果表明:粉尘的最佳点火延迟时间与浓度有关,在该点火时间下所测得的最大爆炸压力均高于在固定点火延迟时间下的测量值,60 ms的固定点火延迟时间不适用于甘薯粉尘爆炸测试。     

点火延迟时间对粉尘最大爆炸压力测定影响的研究

根据粉尘云形成时颗粒分散及沉降的时间效应,指出目前国际通行的球型爆炸装置采用固定点火延迟时间测定粉尘最大爆炸压力的方法具有不确定性,并以煤粉为介质在20 L标准爆炸球装置上进行系列爆炸实验,研究装置点火延迟时间对粉尘爆炸压力的影响。结果表明:点火延迟时间对粉尘爆炸压力测定有十分显著的影响,不同粒径粉尘的最大爆炸压力有不同点火延迟时间,目前仅以气相湍流度所确定的固定点火延迟时间下,所测粉尘最大爆炸压力可能严重偏离实际。     

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.     

Influence of ignition position and obstacles on explosion development in methane–air mixture in closed vessels

The paper outlines an experimental study of influence of the ignition position and obstacles on explosion development in premixed methane–air mixtures in an elongated explosion vessel. As the explosion vessel, 1325 mm length tube with 128.5 mm diameter was used. Location of the ignition was changeable, i.e., fitted in the centre or at one of ends of the tube, when the tube was in a horizontal position. When it was in a vertical position, three locations of the ignition (bottom, centre and top) were used. In the performed study, the influence of obstacles on the course of pressure was investigated. Two identical steel grids were used as the obstacles. They were placed 405 mm from either end of the tube. Their blockage ratio (grid area to tube cross-section area) was determined as 0.33 for most of experiments. A few additional experiments (with smaller blockage ratio—0.16) were also conducted in order to compare the influence of the blockage ratio on the explosion development. Also some experiments were conducted in a semi-cylindrical vessel with volume close to 40 l.

All the experiments were performed under stabilized conditions, with the temperature and pressure inside the vessel settled to room values and controlled by means of electronic devices. The pressure–time profiles from two transducers placed in the centreline of the inner wall of the explosion vessel were obtained for stoichiometric (9.5%), lean (7%) and rich (12%) methane–air mixture. The results obtained in the study, including maximum pressures and pressure–time profiles, illustrate a quite distinct influence of the above listed factors upon the explosion characteristics. The effect of ignition position, obstacles location and their BR parameters is discussed.

The additional aim of the performed experiments was to find the data necessary to validate a new computer code, developed to calculate an explosion hazard in industrial installations.     

Influences of coal dust components on the explosibility of hybrid mixtures of methane and coal dust

In order to study the influences of coal dust components on the explosibility of hybrid mixture of methane and coal dust, four kinds of coal dust with different components were selected in this study. Using the standard 20 L sphere, the maximum explosion pressure, explosion index and lower explosion limits of methane/coal dust mixtures were measured. The results show that the addition of methane to different kinds of coal dust can all clearly increase their maximum explosion pressure and explosion index and decrease their minimum explosion concentration. However, the increase in the maximum explosion pressure and explosion index is more significant for coal dust with lower volatile content, while the decrease in the minimum explosion concentration is more significant for coal dust with higher volatile content. It is concluded that the influence of methane on the explosion severity is more pronounced for coal dust with lower volatile content, but on ignition sensitivity it is more pronounced for coal dust with higher volatile content. Bartknecht model for predicting the lower explosion limits of methane/coal dust mixture has better applicability than Le Chatelier model and Jiang model. Especially, it is more suitable for hybrid mixtures of methane and high volatile coal dust.     

钻井井喷爆炸事故分析及对策

针对井喷爆炸事故造成的巨大经济和环境问题,从消除井场点火源出发,讨论了井喷发生后防止爆炸的问题。基于井喷爆炸事故统计信息,利用事故树法,分析了井场可能存在的点火源,在此基础上提出井场防止井喷爆炸的措施。分析发现井喷爆炸主要分布在井喷后小于5分钟和井喷后大于1小时时间段,点火源主要为井场存在的点火源和后续抢救工作时带入的点火源;井场点火源主要分为明火、电火花、撞击火花和静电火花,通过井喷爆炸事故统计分析,电火花和撞击火花同样应该引起重视。     

Characterization of Ti powders mixed with TiO2 powders: Thermal and kinetic studies

The fire and explosion risks of metal powders admixed with solid inertants have been extensively investigated for many years. However, it remains unclear why such solid mixtures have high potential fire and explosion risk even when mixed with high percentages of non-combustible solids. This paper investigates how to interpret these risks, from a microscopic perspective, with thermal and kinetic parameters including initial ignition temperature, mass unit exothermic energy, activation energy and risk index of spontaneous combustion. The results show that the initial ignition temperature based on TG (Thermogravimetry) analysis is related to ignition sensitivity, and increased with percentage of admixed solid inertant. The unit mass exothermic energy based on DSC (Differential scanning calorimetry) analysis is related to flame spread velocity. Activation energy and the risk index of spontaneous combustion can be used to explain the reactivity and spontaneous combustion hazard, respectively, of metal powders. We conclude that thermal and kinetic parameters may provide another way to describe the fire and explosion risk of combustible powders, especially for nano metal powders due to the laboratory safety in the normative tests for explosion parameter determination.     

Experimental studies of ignition and explosions in cyclohexane liquid under oxygen oxidation conditions

The safe operation of hydrocarbon liquid-phase oxidation by air or oxygen requires the knowledge on the flammability of hydrocarbon/oxygen mixtures in both the vapor space and vapor bubbles. The latter is of particular importance in situation where pure oxygen is used as the oxidant as most bubbles are expected to be flammable and explosive. New experimental findings are presented for ignition and explosion in cyclohexane liquid under oxygen oxidation conditions. A bubble column is constructed and fitted with multiple igniters. Experiments were performed at liquid temperatures between 373.15 and 423.15 K under various flow rates of pure oxygen. Two drastic different ignition and explosion behaviors were observed. The first is a typical bubble explosion from the direct ignition of the flammable bubbles in the liquid. The explosion occurs immediate following the ignition and do not produce significant energy that endanger the system. The other is a remote, delayed ignition and explosion in the vapor space that can produce significant overpressure and endanger the system. The explosion is attributed to the ignition of flammable vapor space by active free radicals from cyclohexyl hydroperoxide decomposition. A mechanism is proposed for the remote, delayed ignition to occur in the oxidation system. It is concluded that explosion in an oxidizing, bubbly liquid is not only a likely scenario but also a severe scenario, and cyclohexane oxidation should not be carried out directly with pure oxygen and without any inerting.     

20L近球形容器中甲醇喷雾液滴爆炸特性实验研究*

为了评估易燃液体喷雾的爆炸风险,借助喷雾粒度仪、高速相机以及喷雾爆炸实验系统,围绕2种粒径(表面积平均粒径:2.0 μm±0.5 μm;18.0 μm±0.5 μm)的甲醇喷雾,研究点火位置和延迟时间等因素对甲醇喷雾爆炸特性的影响。结果表明:甲醇喷雾粒径均随环境温度的增加而减小,当甲醇喷雾浓度较大时,环境温度对于甲醇喷雾粒径的影响更为显著;甲醇物料温度的改变对于其粒径的影响很小。随着点火延迟时间的增大,甲醇喷雾爆炸特性参数均呈现先增加后减小的趋势,在τ=120 ms时最大。受限空间内甲醇喷雾采用中心或上部点火方式,当甲醇喷雾浓度为356.4 g/m3(φ=1.8)时,甲醇喷雾爆炸特性参数均取得最大值;与上部位置点火相比,中心位置点火的甲醇喷雾爆炸特性参数值较大。     

湍流对粉尘云电火花点火过程的影响

随着现代工业的发展,粉尘爆炸事故发生的频率也逐年增加,因此,对粉尘云点火敏感程度进行测量和计算就变得十分重要。粉尘云最小点火能是粉尘爆炸重要的特性参数之一,是采取粉尘爆炸防护的基础。最小点火能在测量的过程中受到多个敏感条件的影响,其中湍流则是最复杂的影响因素之一。文中对实验过程中粉尘云的湍流进行了定义,并分析了湍流对粉尘云最小点火能影响的内在原因;同时对通过数值模拟计算粉尘云最小点火能过程中的湍流计算给出了数学模型。从实验和数学模型两个方向对湍流进行了全面描述,对粉尘云电火花点火过程中湍流影响的分析结论,可有效的指导实验。