Classification of dispersibility for combustible dust based on Hausner ratio

Mixing of combustible dust and oxidant is one of five essential prerequisites in the dust explosion pentagon, requiring that particles originally in mutual contact within the deposits be separated and suspended in the air. However, dust dispersion never proceeds with 100% efficiency, with inevitable particle agglomeration, and an inherent trend toward settling out of suspension. Dispersibility is defined to describe the ease of dispersion of a dust and the tendency of the particulate matter to remain airborne once a dust cloud has been formed. Pioneers made contributions to classify dust dispersibility by introducing dustiness group (DG), dustability index (DI), NIOSH dispersion chamber and in-situ particle size analysis. Issues remained including the difficulty in comparing results from different methods, as well as the availability of some high-tech testing apparatus.This study aims to provide a quick and universal testing method to estimate the dispersion property of combustible dust. A new dispersibility classification was developed based on dimensionless numbers Hausner ratio and Archimedes number. Four dispersibility classes (DCs) were proposed from one to four, with a larger number meaning better dispersibility. Results for more than a dozen dust samples and mixtures thereof showed the new method is useful in dust explosion research. The consistency in classifying dust dispersion properties between the DC method and previous methods was good. Changes in DC well explained our earlier findings on suppressant enhanced explosion parameter (SEEP) phenomenon attributed to the improvement in dust dispersibility. Hausner ratio and Archimedes number, as easily measured parameters, can be quite advantageous to assess dust dispersibility, permitting a proper risk assessment for the formation of explosible dust clouds.     

Hybrid H2/Al dust explosions in Siwek sphere

Explosion indices and explosion behaviour of Al dust/H₂/air mixtures were studied using standard 20 l sphere. The study was motivated by an explosion hazard occurring at some accidental scenarios considered now in ITER design (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor). During Loss-of-Vacuum or Loss-of-Coolant Accidents (LOCA/LOVA) it is possible to form inside the ITER vacuum vessel an explosible atmosphere containing fine Be or W dusts and hydrogen. To approach the Be/H₂ explosion problem, Be dust is substituted in this study by aluminium, because of high toxicity of Be dusts. The tested dust concentrations were 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1200 g/m3; hydrogen concentrations varied from 8 to 20 vol. % with 2% step. The mixtures were ignited by a weak electric spark. Pressure evolutions were recorded during the mixture explosions. In addition, the gaseous compositions of the combustion products were measured by a quadruple mass-spectrometer. The dust was involved in the explosion process at all hydrogen and dust concentrations even at the combination ‘8%/100 g/m3’. In all the other tests the explosion overpressures and the pressure rise rates were noticeably higher than those relevant to pure H₂/air mixtures and pure Al dust/air mixtures. At lower hybrid fuel concentrations the mixture exploded in two steps: first hydrogen explosion followed by a clearly separated Al dust explosion. With rising concentrations, the two-phase explosion regime transits to a single-phase regime where the two fuel components exploded together as a single fuel. In this regime both the hybrid explosion pressures and pressure rise rates are higher than either H₂ or Al ones. The two fuels compete for the oxygen; the higher the dust concentration, the more part of O2 it consumes (and the more H₂ remains in the combustion products). The test results are used to support DUST3D CFD code developed at KIT to model LOCA or LOVA scenarios in ITER.     

Explosibility of hydrogen–graphite dust hybrid mixtures

To evaluate the hazard of combined hydrogen/dust explosions under severe accident conditions in International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), standard method of 20-L-sphere was used to measure the explosion indices of 4-μm fine graphite dust in lean hydrogen/air mixtures. The mixtures were ignited by a weak electric spark. The tested fuel concentrations were 8–18 vol% H₂ and 25–250 g/m³ dust. If the hydrogen content is higher than 10 vol%, the dust constituent can be induced to explode by the hydrogen explosion initiated by a weak electric spark. Depending on the fuel component concentrations, the explosions proceed in either one or two stages. In two-stage explosions occurring at low hydrogen and dust concentrations, the mixture ignition initiates first a fast hydrogen explosion followed by a slower phase of the dust explosion. With increasing dust concentration, the dust explodes faster and can overlap the hydrogen-explosion stage. At higher hydrogen concentrations, the hybrid mixtures explode in one stage, with hydrogen and dust reacting at the same time scale. Maximum overpressures of hybrid explosions are higher than those observed with hydrogen alone; maximum rates of pressure rise are lower in two-phase explosions and, generally, higher in one-stage explosions, than those characteristic of the corresponding H₂/air mixtures.     

粉尘爆炸特征和预防措施探讨

随着现代工业的发展,粉末技术得到了广泛应用,使得粉末产物日益增多.许多粉体加工企业对粉体的相关危害知识没有深刻的认识,这些物质在安全生产、储存、运输和应用过程中,安全管理比较混乱,没有做到很好的防护,缺乏必要的防火防爆设施,再加上操作人员思想上的麻痹大意.粉尘爆炸的危险性大大增加,粉尘爆炸的事故也频繁发生.粉尘爆炸具有很强的破坏力,往往造成重大人员伤亡和严重损失,已经越发成为工业安全不可忽视的重要问题.本文从粉尘爆炸的基本特征出发,论述了粉尘爆炸的机理、条件、特点.根据粉尘爆炸需要的条件,从可燃物、助燃物和点火源三个方面,提出了在实际生产中,预防粉尘爆炸的一些具体措施,以期指导安全生产.     

Effect of particle morphology on metal dust deflagration sensitivity and severity

Combustible dust explosions continue to present a significant threat toward industries processing, storing, or pneumatically conveying metal dust hazards. Through recent years, investigations have observed the influence of particle size, polydispersity, and chemical composition on dust explosion sensitivity and severity. However, studies characterizing the effect of particle shape (or morphology) on metal dust explosibility are limited and merit further consideration. In this work, high-purity aluminum dust samples of three unique particle morphologies were examined (spherical granular, irregular granular, and dry flake). To maintain consistency in results obtained, all samples were procured with similar particle size distribution and polydispersity, as verified by laser diffraction particle size analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) experiments were executed to confirm supplier claims on morphology and to quantify the effective surface area associated with each sample, respectively. Investigations performed in a Kühner MIKE3 minimum ignition energy apparatus and a Siwek 20 L sphere combustion chamber resulted in the direct characterization of explosion sensitivity and severity, respectively, as a function of suspended fuel concentration and variable particle morphology. Recommendations to standard risk/hazard analysis procedures and to existing design guidance for the mitigation of deflagrations that originate from ignition of distinctively processed metal dust fuels have been provided.     

外部条件对玉米淀粉粉尘爆炸特性的影响

为了探明外部条件对玉米淀粉粉尘爆炸特性参数的影响,利用20 L球形爆炸装置进行试验测试,探讨了点火能量及粉尘含水量对粉尘爆炸特性的影响,对比研究了CaCO_3和Al(OH)_3两种惰性介质的抑爆效果。结果表明:随点火能量增加,粉尘最大爆炸压力和最大升压速率呈线性上升,在高质量浓度下,粉尘爆炸压力受点火能量的影响更显著;添加CaCO_3和Al(OH)_3能够降低玉米淀粉的爆炸压力,相对于CaCO_3的物理抑爆,Al(OH)_3的物理-化学抑爆效果更佳;玉米淀粉粉尘的最大爆炸压力及爆炸升压速率随粉尘含水量降低而不断增大。     

激波诱导下煤粉的爆炸压力测试

因气体爆炸导致沉积粉尘的二次爆炸的威力远大于单纯的气体或者粉尘爆炸产生的威力,利用自制的装置,诱导煤粉爆炸的激波由甲烷气体爆炸产生,对激波诱导下煤粉的爆炸压力Pmax、爆炸压力上升速率(dp/dt)max进行了实验研究。该实验分别研究煤粉浓度及煤粉粒度对爆炸指数的影响,其结果表明:对于不同的煤粉浓度,存在一个理想煤粉浓度值,在这个浓度下的煤粉爆炸压力值最大;随着煤粉粒度的减小,其爆炸压力不断升高。     

浓度对橡胶粉尘爆炸特性的影响

为了解橡胶粉尘的爆炸危险性,采用20 L球爆炸测试装置对常温常压下、粒径75μm以下的橡胶粉尘在质量浓度50~700 g/m3范围内的爆炸特性进行试验研究,测定其最大爆炸压力及爆炸指数随质量浓度的变化规律,进而对其爆炸危险性程度进行分级。结果表明:橡胶粉尘质量浓度为300 g/m3时,爆炸压力达到最大值0.49MPa;在橡胶粉尘质量浓度为250 g/m3时,爆炸指数达到最大值5.04MPa·m/s,根据ISO 6184粉尘爆炸烈度等级分级标准,其粉尘爆炸危险性分级为St-1级。     

Dust explosion hazard assessment

The majority of powders that are used in the processing industries are combustible (also referred to as flammable, explosible). An explosion will occur if the concentration of the combustible dust that is suspended in air is sufficient to propagate flame when ignited by a sufficiently energetic ignition source.A systematic approach to identifying dust cloud explosion safety against their consequences generally involves:-Identification of locations where combustible dust cloud atmospheres could be present-Understanding of the explosion characteristics of the dust(s)-Identification of potential ignition sources that could be present under normal and abnormal conditions-Proper process and facility design to eliminate and/or minimize the occurrence of dust explosions and protect people and facilities against their consequences-Adequate maintenance of facilities to prevent ignition sources and minimize dust releaseThis presentation will discuss the conditions that are required for dust cloud explosions to occur and presents a well-tried approach to identify, assess, and eliminate/control dust explosion hazards in facilities.     

Effects of ignition energy on fire and explosion characteristics of dilute hybrid fuel in ventilation air methane

Deflagration explosions of coal dust clouds and flammable gases are a major safety concern in coal mining industry. Accidental fire and explosion caused by coal dust cloud can impose substantial losses and damages to people and properties in underground coal mines. Hybrid mixtures of methane and coal dust have the potential to reduce the minimum activation energy of a combustion reaction. In this study the Minimum Explosion Concentration (MEC), Over Pressure Rise (OPR), deflagration index for gas and dust hybrid mixtures (K_st) and explosive region of hybrid fuel mixtures present in Ventilation Air Methane (VAM) were investigated. Experiments were carried out according to the ASTM E1226-12 guideline utilising a 20 L spherical shape apparatus specifically designed for this purpose.Resultsobtained from this study have shown that the presence of methane significantly affects explosion characteristics of coal dust clouds. Dilute concentrations of methane, 0.75–1.25%, resulted in coal dust clouds OPR increasing from 0.3 bar to 2.2 bar and boosting the K_st value from 10 bar m s⁻¹ to 25 bar m s⁻¹. The explosion characteristics were also affected by the ignitors’ energy; for instance, for a coal dust cloud concentration of 50 g m⁻³ the OPR recorded was 0.09 bar when a 1 kJ chemical ignitor was used, while, 0.75 bar (OPR) was recorded when a 10 kJ chemical ignitor was used.For the first time, new explosion regions were identified for diluted methane-coal dust cloud mixtures when using 1, 5 and 10 kJ ignitors. Finally, the Le-Chatelier mixing rule was modified to predict the lower explosion limit of methane-coal dust cloud hybrid mixtures considering the energy of the ignitors.     

硬脂酸粉尘爆炸特性试验研究

为研究硬脂酸粉尘的爆炸特性,采用20 L球型爆炸仪对4个粒径范围的硬脂酸粉尘进行粉尘爆炸试验研究。结果表明:一定浓度范围内增大粉尘浓度能够提升硬脂酸粉尘的爆炸能量和燃烧速率。增大粉尘浓度,爆炸猛烈度先增强后减弱;减小粉尘粒径,能增强爆炸猛烈度和敏感度。粒径小于58 μm粉尘的爆炸猛烈度和敏感度最大,浓度500 g/m3时,该粉尘有最大爆炸压力1.12 MPa和最大升压速率142.00 MPa/s。     

Experimental determination of dust cloud deflagration parameters of selected hydrogen storage materials: Complex metal hydrides,chemical hydrides,and adsorbents

This paper discusses the results of an experimental program carried out to determine dust cloud deflagration parameters of selected solid-state hydrogen storage materials, including complex metal hydrides (sodium alanate and lithium borohydride/magnesium hydride mixture), chemical hydrides (alane and ammonia borane) and activated carbon (Maxsorb, AX-21). The measured parameters include maximum deflagration pressure rise, maximum rate of pressure rise, minimum ignition temperature, minimum ignition energy and minimum explosible concentration. The calculated explosion indexes include volume-normalized maximum rate of pressure rise (K_St), explosion severity (ES) and ignition sensitivity (IS). The deflagration parameters of Pittsburgh seam coal dust and Lycopodium spores (reference materials) are also measured. The results show that activated carbon is the safest hydrogen storage media among the examined materials. Ammonia borane is unsafe to use because of the high explosibility of its dust. The core insights of this contribution are useful for quantifying the risks associated with use of these materials for on-board systems in light-duty fuel cell-powered vehicles and for supporting the development of hydrogen safety codes and standards. These insights are also critical for designing adequate safety features such as explosion relief venting and isolation devices and for supplementing missing data in materials safety data sheets.     

Methane/coal dust/air explosions and their suppression by solid particle suppressing agents in a large-scale experimental tube

Methane/coal dust/air explosions under strong ignition conditions have been studied in a 199 mm inner diameter and 30.8 m long horizontal tube. A fuel gas/air manifold assembly was used to introduce methane and air into the experimental tube, and an array of 44 equally spaced dust dispersion units was used to disperse coal dust particles into the tube. The methane/coal dust/air mixture was ignited by a 7 m long epoxypropane mist cloud explosion. A deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) was observed, and a self-sustained detonation wave characterized by the existence of a transverse wave was propagated in the methane/coal dust/air mixtures.The suppressing effects on methane/coal dust/air mixture explosions of three solid particle suppressing agents have been studied. Coal dust and the suppressing agent were injected into the experimental tube by the dust dispersion units. The length of the suppression was 14 m. The suppression agents examined in this study comprised ABC powder, SiO₂ powder, and rock dust powder (CaCO₃). Methane/coal dust/air explosions can be efficiently suppressed by the suppression agents characterized by the rapid decrease in overpressure and propagating velocity of the explosion waves.     

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.     

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。     

Explosibility and thermal decomposition behavior of nitrile rubber dust in industrial processes

The formation of nitrile rubber (NBR) dust clouds during processing can lead to a potential dust explosion under certain conditions. However, the potential explosion hazard posed by NBR dust is usually overlooked by enterprises. In this paper, the explosive properties of NBR dust are investigated using a Hartmann tube, a G-G furnace, and a 20 L explosion chamber. The results showed that NBR dust could cause explosions severe enough to be classified as St-1. In addition, the thermal decomposition behavior of NBR dust under combustion conditions was investigated using a combination of thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR). The results indicated that in the early stage, NBR dust mainly undergoes self-thermal decomposition to produce a large amount of combustible gas, which combines with oxygen to form a mixed gas and cause a gas-phase explosion. In addition, the participation of oxygen could lower the initial temperature of NBR dust thermal decomposition. As a result, decomposition occurred more quickly and a large amount of combustible gas was produced, thus expanding the range of dust explosions. Furthermore, these combustible gases exhibit varying degrees of toxicity, seriously affecting the life and health safety of relevant personnel. This work provides theoretical guidance for the development of safe procedures to prevent and address problems during NBR dust processing in enterprises.     

小麦淀粉粉尘爆炸特性参数的研究

采用哈特曼管式爆炸测试装置和20L球爆炸测试装置对小麦淀粉粉尘爆炸特性参数进行评估,对粒度小于75μm的样品的爆炸危险性参数进行测试,得出了一定条件下的小麦淀粉对静电火花的敏感程度以及其爆炸的猛烈程度,进而对其爆炸危险性程度进行分级。结果表明,温度在25℃,喷粉压力为0.70MPa,小麦淀粉的最小点火能量在40~80mJ;在点火能量为10 kJ时,最大爆炸压力为0.60MPa,最大爆炸指数为7.87MPa.m/s,其粉尘爆炸危险性为Ⅰ级。     

不同含水率煤尘在瓦斯爆炸诱导下爆炸传播规律研究

为了探究不同含水率煤尘在瓦斯爆炸诱导下的爆炸传播规律,利用自行搭建的直管瓦斯爆炸诱导煤尘二次爆炸实验系统,从冲击波压力和火焰传播速度2个方面,研究了不同含水率沉积煤尘在瓦斯爆炸诱导下的爆炸传播规律和原因。研究结果表明:当煤尘含水率小于40%时,管道内沉积煤尘会在瓦斯爆炸诱导下产生二次爆炸,同时沉积煤尘总量一定时,沉积煤尘二次爆炸产生的冲击波超压峰值和火焰传播速度随着煤尘含水率的增加先增大后减小;当沉积煤尘含水率为20% 时,煤尘二次爆炸产生的冲击波超压峰值、火焰传播速度峰值达到最大值,分别为1.657 MPa和468.060 m/s;当沉积煤尘含水率大于40%时,沉积煤尘无法产生二次爆炸,此时爆炸产生的威力小于单一瓦斯爆炸,火焰传播速度衰减较无煤尘的瓦斯爆炸更快,沉积煤尘起到抑制瓦斯爆炸传播的作用。研究结果可以为防治煤尘二次爆炸提供理论依据。     

粉尘涉爆企业隐患分析及风险控制研究

通过对77家粉尘涉爆企业299个重大隐患进行分析,得出企业存在的隐患主要集中在除尘系统和粉尘清理方面。绘制了粉尘爆炸因果链锁图,基于粉尘爆炸5要素和海因里希因果连锁论,构建粉尘爆炸预防性和控制性原理,将粉尘爆炸控制措施分为预防性措施PM和控制性措施CM。根据粉尘爆炸预防性和控制性原理,提出采取预防性措施为主,控制性措施为辅的粉尘爆炸控制原则。     

运用本质安全原理预防煤粉爆炸

旨在将本质安全原理与粉尘爆炸(以煤粉爆炸为例)的风险控制联系起来。利用20 L球形爆炸装置的标准测试方法测试煤粉及煤粉-CaCO3混合物的爆炸下限、最大爆炸压力、压力上升速度等爆炸特性。基于本质安全基本原理和试验结果,讨论预防煤粉爆炸的各种基本方法,并重点阐述本质安全原理与粉尘爆炸影响因素、不同的预防方法、过程设备的选择等之间的关系,对已制定的爆炸风险控制措施进行完善和补充。