Non-intrusive characterization of heat transfer fluid aerosol formation

Abstract

Heat transfer fluids are widely used in the chemical process industry and are available in a wide range of properties. These fluids are flammable above their flash points and can cause explosions. Though the possibility of aerosol explosions has been widely documented, knowledge about the explosive potential of such aerosols is limited and critically needed. The aerosol droplet size distributions of heat transfer fluids must be studied to characterize their explosion hazards. This research involves non-intrusive measurement of such aerosol sprays using a Malvern Instrument Diffraction Particle Analyzer. The aerosol is generated by plain orifice atomization to simulate the formation and dispersion of heat transfer fluid aerosols through leaks in process equipment. Predictive models relating the aerosol formation distances, aerosol droplet size, and volume concentrations to bulk liquid pressure, temperature, fluid properties, leak size and ambient conditions are developed. These models will be used to predict the conditions under which leaks will result in the formation of aerosols and ultimately help in estimating the explosion hazard of heat transfer fluid aerosols. The goal is to provide industry information that will help improve process safety.