Application of CFD on the sensitivity analyses of some parameters of the modified Hartmann tube

The aim of this work is to determine the influence of operating parameters such as the dispersion pressure, the ignition delay and height on the dust flammability. A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation, based on an Euler–Lagrange approach, was developed with Ansys Fluent™ and validated experimentally. Such analysis will facilitate the choice of the most conservative conditions for a flammability test. This paper is focused on a case study performed on wheat starch with the modified Hartmann tube. The dispersion process of the powder was studied with granulometric analyses performed in situ and high speed videos. Tests were performed with injections at gas pressure ranging from 3 to 6 bars and the evolution of the particle size distribution (PSD) was recorded at different ignition heights (5, 10 and 15 cm over the dispersion nozzle). The observations highlighted the presence of agglomeration/deagglomeration processes and dust segregation. Besides, a CFD simulation analysis was aimed at evaluating the impact of a set of parameters on the PSD and the local turbulence, which are closely linked to some flammability parameters. For this computational analysis, the CFD simulation was coupled with a collision treatment based on a Discrete Element Method (DEM) in order to consider the cohesive behavior of the combustible dust. Thus the results suggest performing the injection of the gases at approximately 5 bars for the flammability tests of wheat starch in order to obtain the finest PSD at a given ignition height. It is also shown that the finest PSD are obtained at 5 cm over the dispersion nozzle. However, the local instabilities and turbulence levels are so high during the first stages of the dispersion that the flame growth can be disturbed for short ignition delays. Moreover, the stabilization of the bulk of the dust cloud requires longer periods of time when the ignition sources are located at 15 cm. As a result, the recommended height to perform a flammability test is 10 cm in this case. Finally, this study proposes some tools that might improve the procedure of dust flammability testing.     

Experimental study of the influence of particle size on Minimum Explosible Concentration of sulfur dust

Despite the extensive use of sulfur in the industry, very little information is available in the literature on its key dust explosion properties. The work presented in this paper contributes to filling the current knowledge gaps on sulfur dust explosion properties and focuses on the experimental determination of the MEC of sulfur dust using a Modified Hartmann Tube and a 20 L dust explosion sphere. First, the MEC of sulfur dust samples collected at a sulfur production facility from areas prone to the generation of fine sulfur dust was measured. The results showed that these sulfur dust samples are fine enough to cause dust explosions with 55 ± 5< MEC <105 ± 5 g/m³. Second, the influence of the particle size of sulfur dust was investigated with both equipment. The use of the Modified Hartmann Tube for MEC determination showed that the MEC increases with increasing particle size in the particle size range of 0–2000 μm. Unlike the Modified Hartmann Tube, MEC experiments done in the 20 L Sphere did not allow the quantification of the influence of the particle size on the MEC. These results were explained by the phenomenon of particle breakage induced by the 20 L Sphere's dispersion mechanism. Additional experiments with the 20 L sphere confirmed the particle breakage of sulfur dust particles and showed that it is inversely proportional to dust concentration and proportional to the dust's original particle size distribution.     

Prediction of dust cloud minimum ignition energy for organic dusts from modified hartmann tube data

The modified Hartmann tube apparatus is recognized to give realistic or safe indications of dust explosion violence. Evidence is presented that results from this apparatus can also be used to indicate minimum ignition energy. Published data show a correlation between minimum ignition energy and minimum explosible concentration, which is refined by also taking into account explosive violence. An empirical model has been derived, relating minimum ignition energy to minimum explosible concentration and explosive violence. The model allows estimation of probabilities of minimum ignition energy falling below specified values, such as those recognized as of practical importance by the relevant British Standard. A limited test of the model suggests that it can be applied to modified Hartmann tube data. It is anticipated that the model will be valuable as a screening tool, especially in the early stages of development of a project.