Integration Sensitivity of Hybrid Mixtures
Abstract
This paper reports on experimental and theoretical investigations into the ignition sensitivity of four gas-dust hybrid mixtures consisting of either methane or propane combined with either starch or polyethylene. The experimental work was done using a Hartmann tube to determine minimum ignition energy (MIE) and a Godbert-Greenwald furnace to determine minimum ignition temperature (MIT). The test procedures were based on European standards EN 13821 and EN 50281 for dust-air mixtures for MIE and MIT, respectively, with minor modifications to accommodate testing of hybrid mixtures. The experimental results show a significant decrease in the MIE and MIT of hybrid mixtures compared to corresponding values for single-components. The increase in ignition sensitivity was apparent even with gas concentrations below the lower flammability limit, or with dust concentrations below the minimum explosible concentration. For example, the MIE of polyethylene dust decreased from 40 mJ to 5 mJ when only 1 vol% of propane was added. Mathematical models were also used to predict the MIE and MIT of hybrid mixtures. The predicted values were compared to experimental results, which showed very good agreement. The models allow more accurate estimates for MIE and MIT of a hybrid mixture than using corresponding data for either the dust or gas component. Keywords: dust explosion, hybrid mixture explosion, minimum ignition temperature, minimum ignition energy, ignition sensitivity.
Description
PresentationSubject
integration sensitivityCollections
Citation
Addai, Emmanuel Kwasi; Clouthier, Martin; Amyotte, Paul; Krause, Ulrich (2016). Integration Sensitivity of Hybrid Mixtures. Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center; Texas &M University. Libraries. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /193605.