Ignition sensitivity and flame propagation of titanium powder cloud

Abstract

The ignition sensitivity and flame propagation of titanium dust cloud were investigated to evaluate the risk of combustion and explosion of titanium powder. The minimum ignition temperature(MIT) was determined by Godbert-Greenwald furnace and the minimum ignition energy(MIE) was determined by Hartmann apparatus. The flame propagation behavior in the Hartmann apparatus was recorded by high-speed camera and infrared thermal imager. The results show that the spherical titanium powder with a median diameter of 12.5μm had a minimum ignition temperature of 400°C, a minimum ignition energy of less than 1mJ, and a maximum flame temperature of 1666°C. The dust concentration had a greater influence on the minimum ignition temperature than the dispersion pressure, titanium dust cloud had high ignition sensitivity and fast flame propagation speed. The experimental results can provide a reliable basis for judging the explosive risk of titanium powder.