Computational fluid dynamics is used to investigate the preconditioning aspect of overdriving in dust explosion testing. The results show that preconditioning alters both the particle temperature and distribution prior toflamepropagation in the 20-L chamber. A parametric study gives thefluid pressure and temperature, and particle temperature and concentration at an assumed flame kernel development time (10 ms) for varying ignitor size and particle diameter. For the 10 kJ ignitor with 50% efficiency, polyethylene particles under 50 μm reach 400 K and may melt prior to flame propagation. Gases from the ignitor detonation displace the dust from the center of the chamber and may increase local particle concentration up to two times thenominal value being tested. These effects have importantimplications for explosive testing of dusts in the 20-L chamber and comparing to larger 1-m3 testing, where these effects may be negligible.
History
Publication title
Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries
Volume
26
Issue
6
Pagination
1574-1582
ISSN
0950-4230
Department/School
Australian Maritime College
Publisher
Elsevier Sci Ltd
Place of publication
The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England, Oxon, Ox5 1Gb
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Environmentally sustainable mineral resource activities not elsewhere classified