Effect of sludge-based suppression materials on the explosive flame characteristics of aluminium dust

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate the inhibitory effect of sludge-based phosphate-containing composite powder explosion suppressants (MPP/AMS) on aluminium dust explosion and combustion. The experiment compared the inhibition characteristics of ordinary sewage sludge particles, high-temperature alkali-modified sludge particles, phosphate-containing particles, and phosphate-modified sludge particles. The study utilized a flame propagation experimental device and an explosion pressure testing device for comprehensive research. The experimental recording devices revealed that sludge-based composite powder explosion suppressants effectively inhibit aluminium powder explosion and combustion. Thermodynamic analysis of the rapid oxidation stage was performed using the Coats Redfern (C-R) method, and validation was conducted using the Flynn Wall Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger Akahira Sunose (KAS) methods. The results theoretically explain that sludge-based composite powder explosion suppressants can effectively suppress aluminium powder explosions and exhibit a blocking effect. Surface morphology and material element characterization experiments were conducted before and after the explosion, combined with pyrolysis characteristics. The analysis demonstrated that the inhibition mechanism of sludge-based composite powder explosion suppressants on aluminium powder explosion primarily involves two aspects: physical inhibition (MPP coating inhibition, porous adsorption isolation) and chemical inhibition (decomposition heat absorption, product oxidation). The theoretical findings provide evidence of the superior inhibitory effects of sludge-based composite powder explosion suppressants, offering new insights for the resource utilization of sludge waste and the development of novel explosion suppression materials.