Basics on Dust Explosivity.pptVIP

* Dust clouds, when ignited, can produce deflagrations, which are flame fronts that move at speeds below the speed of sound. Although not technically explosions, these deflagrations are commonly referred as dust explosions. Dust Deflagration is an exothermic reaction where there is a rapid oxidation of flammable dust or vapor in air in which the reaction progresses through the unburned material at a rate less than the velocity of sound. It is the correct term for the ignition of sufficient volume of combustible dust in an enclosure. For dust explosions to occur, all of the following conditions must be present:: 1) combustible dust is suspended or lofted in air 2) the dust ignites 3) the dust is confined such that damaging pressures can accumulate. If lofted into a cloud and ignited, accumulated dust can become explosive. Dust layers can ignite and will smolder, but if disturbed, they may transition to a dust explosion. This phenomenon, known as “secondary dust explosion,” The explosive suspension of most dust appears as an opaque cloud and for many materials, is much denser than the amount considered “breathable.” The finer the dust particle and the more easily the dust oxidizes, the greater the explosion potential. Facts and Information on Dust Explosions : Definition of Terms: Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) – the minimum amount of energy that is needed for combustion of a mixture of a specified flammable material with air or oxygen and is measured by a standard procedure. Definition of Terms: Minimum Ignition Temperature (MIT) – the lowest temperature of a hot surface which will cause a dust cloud to ignite and propagate flame. Definition of Terms: Minimum Auto-Ignition Temperature (MAIT) – the lowest temperature at which the fuel vapors spontaneously ignite. Definition of Terms: Minimum Explosible Concentration (MEC) Definition of Terms: Layer Ignition Temper