Measurement of MIE and LOC for flash powder mixture containing boron to authenticate safety in firework industries

Abstract

Due to the increased production of firecrackers, the amount of electrostatic charges accumulating in firework industries is higher and it results in accidents associated with unknown cause. Hence, determining the minimum ignition energy (MIE) of firecracker compositions becomes imperative. Nowadays, using boron as a replacement for aluminium in firecrackers mixtures is being researched upon. It is found that boron blended mixtures have higher MIE which obviously will reduce the workplace accidents. Recently, many industries are employing automation. In such places, by limiting the oxygen level, the accidents can be avoided. Hence, the limited oxygen concentration required for ignition is also to be measured. Hence, this paper aims at reducing the risk associated in fireworks industry by measuring the MIE and LOC required to ignite the firecracker mixture. Furthermore, tests are conducted for different particle sizes and concentrations. The safe margin was found which will be useful for risk assessment study.