Suppression of metal dust deflagrations. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taveau, Jérôme; Vingerhoets, Jim; Snoeys, Jef; Going, John; Farrell, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Journal of loss prevention in the process industries. Volume 36(2015:Jul.)
• Page Start: 244
• Page End: 251
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: Dust -- Metal -- Explosion -- Protection -- Suppression; Chemical industries -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; 660.2804
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jlp.2015.02.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-4230

Abstract

Abstract: Dust explosions continue to pose a serious threat to the process industries handling combustible powders. According to a review carried out by the Chemical Safety Board (CSB) in 2006, 281 dust explosions were reported between 1980 and 2005 in the USA, killing 119 workers and injuring 718. Metal dusts were involved in 20% of these incidents. Metal dust deflagrations have also been regularly reported in Europe, China and Japan. The term "metal dusts" encompasses a large family of materials with diverse ignitability and explosibility properties. Compared to organic fuels, metal dusts such as aluminum or magnesium exhibit higher flame temperature (Tf ), maximum explosion pressure (Pmax ), deflagration index (KSt ), and flame speed (Sf ), making mitigation more challenging. However, technological advances have increased the efficiency of active explosion protection systems drastically, so the mitigation of metal dust deflagrations has now become possible. This paper provides an overview of metal dust deflagration suppression tests. Recent experiments performed in a 4.4 m 3 vessel have shown that aluminum dust deflagrations can be effectively suppressed at a large scale. It further demonstrates that metal dust deflagrations can be managed safely if the hazard is well understood. Highlights: Metal dusts are involved in a growing number of incidents. Metal dusts exhibit diverse ignitability and explosibility properties. Large-scale suppression experiments have been carried out with aluminum dusts. Processes handling metal dusts can be protected if the hazard is well understood.