Suppression of methane explosion in pipeline network by carbon dioxide-driven calcified montmorillonite powder

Abstract

To minimize the damage and loss caused by methane explosions, and improve the safety of methane extraction, transportation, and utilization, we conducted a study on the explosion suppression performance of carbon dioxide-driven calcified montmorillonite powders with different particle sizes in a custom-designed experimental platform. The explosion suppression performance under different working conditions was evaluated according to the peak explosion overpressure, explosion power index, and the time required to reach the two outlets of the pipe network, and the explosion suppression mechanism was analyzed and discussed. The results indicated that calcified montmorillonite powder showed excellent explosion suppression performance. When the particle size of the powder was 21–32 μm and successively increased to 61–72 μm, both the explosion overpressure and explosion flame were effectively suppressed. In addition, when the particle size of the powder continued to increase to 81–92 μm, it had little enhanced suppression effect on the methane explosion. Therefore, considering the cost of use in practical applications, the calcified montmorillonite powder with a particle size of 61–72 μm was the optimal detonation inhibitor. Based on calcified montmorillonite, compound explosion suppression using carbon dioxide could serve as a theoretical reference and support for further improving the safety of methane extraction, transportation, and utilization.