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.     

Preparation and performance of novel APP/NaY–Fe suppressant for coal dust explosion

Coal dust explosion occurs easily in the coal chemical industry. To ensure safety in industrial production, NaY zeolite was used as carrier modified with Fe ions and combined with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) to prepare a novel composite suppressant for coal dust explosion. The explosion suppression performance of novel APP/NaY–Fe suppressant was investigated by flame propagation inhibition experiments. The results show that Fe ion modification can effectively improve the explosion suppression performance. By increasing content, the explosion suppression performance of the explosion suppressant increases. The maximum explosion pressure P_max of coal dust drops to 0.13 MPa when 50 wt% explosion suppressants were added, and the coal dust explosion cannot continue to expand. Complete suppression of explosion could be achieved by adding 66 wt% explosion suppressants. Combined with XRD, SEM and TG results, the explosion suppression mechanism was proposed. The novel explosion suppressant has high thermal stability, good dispersity and its explosion suppression components distribute uniformly. It shows good explosion suppression performance by the synergistic effect among explosion-suppression components.     

An optimal level of dust explosion risk management: Framework and application

The current research provides guidance on the prevention and mitigation of dust explosion using a Quantitative Risk Management Framework (QRMF). Using concepts drawn from previous studies, the framework consists of three main steps: (i) a new combined safety management protocol, (ii) the use of DESC (Dust Explosion Simulation Code) and FTA (Fault Tree Analysis) to assess explosion consequences and likelihood, respectively, and (iii) application of the hierarchy of controls (inherent, engineered and procedural safety). QRMF assessment of an industrial case study showed that the original process was at high risk. DESC simulations and Probit equations determined the destructive percentages. FTAs revealed high probabilities of explosion occurrence; in addition, detailed individual and societal risks calculations were made, before and after the framework was applied. Based on the hierarchy of controls technique, the framework showed significant risk reduction to the point where the residual risk was acceptable for the process.     

A new simple methodology for evaluation of explosion risk in underground coal mines

The key objective of this paper is the presentation of a new risk assessment tool for underground coal mines based on a simplified semi-quantitative estimation and assessment method.In order to determine the risk of explosion of any work process or activity in underground coal mines it is necessary to assess the risk. The proposed method is based on a Risk Index obtained as a product of three factors: frequency of each individual scenario P_ucm, associated severity consequences C_ucm and exposure time to explosive atmospheres E_ucm. The influence of exposure time is usually not taken into account up to now. Moreover, the exposure to explosive atmospheres may affect factors of hazardous event probability as much as its consequences. There are many definitions of exposure to explosive atmospheres but in the case of underground coal mines the exposure is defined as frequency risk of firedamp and coal dust. The risk estimation and risk assessment are based on the developed of a risk matrix.The proposed methodology allows not only the estimation of the explosion risk but also gives an approach to decide if the proposal investment is well-justified or not in order to improve safety.     

Numerical and experimental study of the explosions caused by residual pressure in quick actuating vessels

The explosion accident caused by residual pressure is one of the most common kinds of accidents in quick actuating pressure vessels. And it is important to provide some reliable methods, which can give reasonable analysis of the explosion. In this study, experiments of the explosion are preformed by using two quick actuating pressure vessels with residual pressure, and a new mathematical model is presented. The model is based on the combination of the Spalart-Allmaras turbulence fluid model and Newton’s second Law for the solid motion. And the model is solved with local remeshing method. By performing the simulation with the same parameters of experiments, the results of the simulation confirm the accuracy of the model. And the results shows the crucial factor of vessel structure, which the maximum ejected speed of the lid highly depends on. Based on that, the optimal design of the structure is presented, which can provide better security.     

Evaluation of limits for effective flame acceleration in hydrogen mixtures

Results of experiments and data analysis on turbulent flame propagation in obstructed channels are presented. The data cover a wide range of mixtures: H₂/air, H₂/air/steam (from lean to rich) at normal and elevated initial temperatures (from 298 to 650 K) and pressures (from 1 to 3 bar); and stoichiometric H₂/O₂ mixtures diluted with N₂, Ar, He and CO₂ at normal initial conditions. The dataset chosen also covers a wide range of scales exceeding two orders of magnitude. It is shown that basic flame parameters, such as mixture expansion ratio σ, Zeldovich number β and Lewis number Le, can be used to estimate a priori a potential for effective flame acceleration for a given mixture. Critical conditions for effective flame acceleration are suggested in the form of correlations of critical expansion ratio σ^* versus dimensionless effective activation energy. On this basis, limits for effective flame acceleration for hydrogen combustibles can be estimated. Uncertainties in determination of critical σ^* values are discussed.     

我国的劳动安全监察制度与压力容器事故预防

分析了压力容器事故的主要原因 ,介绍了劳动安全监察制度 ,研究了该制度对减少压力容器事故所起的作用 ,为预防压力容器事故 ,对劳动安全监察制度的发展 ,提出了自己的见解与看法。     

有机离子载入-复焙烧失法制备新型净水材料

探索了一种制备介孔复合净水材料的新方法——载入有机离子一复焙烧失法。通过实验得到的最佳工艺参数为：有机载入剂为CTMAB,有机载入剂(质量浓度5g/L)加入量4mL／g,有机离子交换反应时间2h,反应温度40℃,复焙烧失温度230℃,复焙烧失时间1．5h。在最佳工艺条件下制备的净水材料对色度为7400倍、COD为3040mg／L的染料废水的脱色率为98．9％,略优于杏壳活性炭的脱色率(98．2％);COD去除率为91．3％,与杏壳活性炭的COD去除率91．7％相差无几。净水材料的染料吸附量是添加剂升温烧蚀后产品的近85倍,是酸洗刻蚀后产品的近590倍,是原材料的900多倍,其对染料废水的净化能力整体优于杏壳活性炭。     

一起立式锅炉爆炸事故原因分析及隐患排查

采用现场勘察、光谱分析和金相检验等方法对一起立式锅炉爆炸事故进行原因分析,发现该锅炉制造时存在严重未焊透的设备缺陷和其他使用管理方面的问题。为此制定了超声波检测工艺,对本地区同一制造厂生产的在用锅炉进行隐患排查。对排查发现存在严重制造缺陷的锅炉进行现场维修或召回,对排查发现的使用管理方面的问题也一并跟踪整改。     

Inherently safer design in offshore oil and gas projects

Like all hazardous installations, inherently safer design (ISD) is one of the key tools in offshore oil and gas projects to minimize risks in offshore facilities. As the life cycle of offshore facilities is relatively short compared with onshore counterparts and there are many projects running every year, the potential is high for raising inherent safety standards and lowering safety risks throughout the offshore industry as old facilities are phased out. This paper gives an overview of offshore facilities and examples of implementation of ISD. Good examples of ISD are numerous. Industry guidance on ISD implementation abound. Yet, the systematic implementation of it in the industry is patchy. There are many reasons for factors which impede the effective, efficient and consistent implementation of ISD in projects. This paper describes some of them and proposes solution to address them. They include (a) the effective integration of ISD into hazard management systems with appropriate language to engage all disciplines in projects, (b) the phasing of resources to enable the project to capture ISD measures which are only available during early phases, (c) application of appropriate ISD goals and ISD performance metrics at various stages and (d) the appropriate use of quantified risk assessment to support ISD.