Effect of metal mesh on the flame propagation characteristics of wheat starch dust. (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Xianfeng; Qi, Zhao; Dai, Huaming; Yin, Shuhui; He, Song; Zhang, Ying; Wang, Xiaotong; Yuan, Bihe
• Is Part Of: Journal of loss prevention in the process industries. Volume 55(2018)
• Page Start: 107
• Page End: 112
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: Metal mesh -- Wheat starch dust -- Flame propagation -- Flame temperature; Chemical industries -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; 660.2804
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jlp.2018.06.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-4230

Abstract

Abstract: A self-designed vertical dust combustion pipeline platform was used to study the explosion of wheat starch dust along with the different characteristic parameters of metal meshes and to highlight the influence of the metal mesh on the flame propagation of wheat starch dust. The temperature and pressure of flames were measured using a micro-thermocouple and pressure sensors, and spontaneous images of flames under different working conditions were captured by a high-speed photography system. It was observed that the metal meshes damaged the structural characteristics of flame propagation and the flame front surfaces, which led to the distortion and prevention of flame spread. This blocking effect increased with an increase in the number of metal meshes and layers. When the metal mesh had a smaller aperture, there was an increased suppression of the flame propagation. The presence of metal meshes in flame propagation also quenched a large portion of the flame, with the decrease in flame temperature being large and inversely proportional to the number of meshes and layers. The metal mesh also moderately inhibited the propagation of the combustion pressure wave. The inhibitory effect on pressure wave propagation was more evident and the combustion pressure decreased with an increase in the number of metal meshes and layers. Highlights: Metal mesh effects on the flame propagation characteristics of wheat starch dust have been investigated. Flames cannot pass through the meshes with a smaller aperture or thicker screen. Flame temperature decreased greatly and inversely in proportion to the mesh and layer number. Presence of metal meshes modestly inhibits the propagation of combustion pressure wave.