Dust explosions in pipes: A review
Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, 9 (4):
267--277 (July 1996)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0950-4230(96)00010-1
Abstract
In long pipes, the aerodynamic conditions are very favourable to (dust)
flame acceleration and very severe explosions may result (as for
instance in galleries of grain storage and handling facilities).
The consequences of such explosions are likely to be disastrous if,
at the end of the acceleration process, the flame reaches the `detonation'
regime for which overpressures of several tens of bars are possible.
In this paper, it is primarily intended to present the actual state
of knowledge concerning dust flame acceleration in pipes and detonations.
In addition to this qualitative information, a (critical) review
of some correlations linking the geometrical configuration and properties
of the mixture to the `violence' of dust explosions in pipes (maximum
flame speed, maximum overpressure) is proposed. In conclusion an
account of the means to prevent flame acceleration in pipes is given.